Monster

The remaining Abyssal Dreadwolves didn't hesitate.

The moment one of their own fell, they adapted—their movements shifting, their formation tightening.

They weren't just monsters. They were hunters.

One wolf lunged at Damon, its claws slicing through the air. He barely blocked in time, but the force of the impact sent him skidding backward.

The other one vanished—Shadow Blink.

I didn't have time to react before it reappeared behind me.

[DING!]

▶ Phantom Step is on cooldown (9 seconds remaining).

Shit.

I twisted at the last second, raising my dagger. The wolf's massive claws grazed my shoulder instead of my throat, pain lancing through my body. I used the momentum to roll away, barely avoiding its follow-up attack.

Damon wasn't faring much better. The second wolf was relentless, its attacks leaving deep gashes in the dirt as it forced him back.

We were at a disadvantage.

If we kept going like this, we'd lose.

I grit my teeth. Think.

The system had identified them as pack hunters. That meant their greatest strength was their coordination.

Break the pack, break the fight.

I focused on the second wolf—the one chasing Damon. If we could take it down, the last one would be vulnerable.

"Damon!" I called. "Switch targets!"

He didn't hesitate. The moment I moved toward his opponent, he turned to face mine.

The wolves reacted immediately—one lunging for me, the other for Damon. Perfect.

I ducked low, baiting an attack. The wolf took the opening, its fangs flashing—but that was exactly what I wanted.

[DING!]

▶ Phantom Step (Ready to use).

I activated it.

For half a second, I vanished.

The wolf's fangs snapped at empty air—then I reappeared behind it, driving my dagger into the base of its spine.

It howled in pain, staggering forward. A perfect opening.

Damon didn't waste it.

His sword flashed—a brutal downward strike. The wolf barely had time to react before his blade cleaved straight through its neck.

Two down.

The final wolf hesitated. It growled low, backing away slightly. It knew it was alone now.

I exhaled sharply. "You're smart, aren't you?"

Damon wiped blood from his blade. "Not smart enough."

The wolf snarled—then turned and ran.

For a second, neither of us moved.

Then Damon scoffed. "Coward."

I watched as the beast vanished into the trees, my mind racing.

It had run because it knew it couldn't win.

But that meant it was going somewhere.

And if Varian had used these creatures as guards…

Damon seemed to have the same thought. He sheathed his sword. "That bastard is close, isn't he?"

I nodded. "Yeah. Let's finish this."

We followed the wolf's trail, moving faster now.

The fight had taken its toll, but we couldn't stop now.

Varian was just ahead.

And this time, there would be no more running.