Before Lira could respond, one shadow lunged at her from the corner of the hall. It moved faster than sight, a ripple of darkness stretching toward her.
Instinctively, Renkai dove, catching her just before the shadow touched her. "I've got you!" he growled, holding her close as the shadow slammed into his shoulder. Black smoke hissed and evaporated as Serelyth roared overhead, wings flaring like a protective shield.
The dragon's white scales reflected the flickering light, dazzling the shadows, while she unleashed a low, resonant bellow. The sound vibrated through the chamber, forcing the nearest shadows to recoil.
Lira pushed herself from Renkai's embrace, brushing dust from her sleeves. "They're testing us… or they're guarding something!" Her eyes darted between the flickering figures. "We need to work together, now!"
