They flew overhead at terrifying speed, looping through the sky before diving with shrill, ear-piercing cries.
In a single fluid motion, a crescent-shaped blade materialized in Dane's hand, its curved edges gleaming under the fractured light. Without hesitation, he hurled it forward. The weapon spun violently through the air, carving a deadly arc.
With a sickening slash, the blade tore through the wings of multiple Thralls mid-flight. Their piercing cries were cut short as they spiraled downward, crashing into the ground like broken marionettes.
But before the weapon could lose momentum, it twisted back, slicing through the air like a boomerang and returning cleanly to Dane's outstretched hand. He caught it effortlessly, lips curling into a smirk.
As the bodies hit the ground, Rook stepped forward. With a low exhale, he pressed his palms into the earth. A pulse of energy rippled through the ground—then, an explosive shockwave erupted outward, sending the fallen Thralls careening through the air. Their already broken bodies slammed into rubble with brutal finality.
But it wasn't over.
The remaining Thralls surged forward, faster than before—this time, sprinting straight for them.
Ezra staggered back, panic seizing his chest. His fingers twitched, fumbling for anything—anything—to defend himself. But beside him, Amara, Tess, and Irene stood completely still, watching the oncoming swarm with unsettling calm.
The Thralls were just meters away now. Sunken eyes fixed on Ezra. Claws stretched, jaws unhinged, teeth glistening—
Then the air detonated.
Gunfire tore through the battlefield. Sharp, rhythmic cracks echoed through the chaos as high-powered rounds shredded into the charging creatures. Sparks erupted from ricochets, and explosive rounds reduced the Thralls to nothing but mangled flesh and bone.
The soldiers had opened fire.
Yet, even as the first wave collapsed, more emerged from the Rift—stronger, faster, more grotesque than before.
Ezra's pulse pounded. He turned to Irene. "Awakened Irene," he asked, his voice tight. "Do you think they can hold them off?"
She didn't respond immediately. Her gaze stayed locked onto the battlefield, every flicker of movement reflected in her sharp, calculating stare.
Finally, without looking his way, she answered, "The Captain will be enough for us."
Ezra blinked. "Captain?"
He turned, eyes scanning the field. Workers continued their tasks undisturbed, reinforcing barricades, patching up the wall as though they couldn't feel the danger creeping closer.
Beyond the barrier, soldiers stood in formation, guns still trained on the Rift, waiting for the next command.
But where was Eli?
Ezra's stomach dropped.
He was nowhere to be seen.