One of the beasts lunged without warning, just claws flashing through the mist.
Kael's Eclipse Step kicked in before his mind could catch up. Shadows wrapped around him like a second skin. His body blurred left. The world tilted sideways. The beast's claws sparked against bare rock where he'd been standing just a heartbeat before. Stone chips scattered across the ledge.
His dagger came up fast. He slashed out while the beast was still recovering. The blade scraped across its hide with a screech that set his teeth on edge. Though it was barely a scratch.
The thing's skin was too thick and hard.
The beast twisted in midair with an impossible flexibility. Its body coiled like a spring. Claws came back around, faster this time.
One caught Kael's cheek before he could pull away. The sting came sharp and immediate. Blood trickled hot down his jaw, dripping onto his collar.
Kael didn't think twice, he reacted instinctively.
