( James Vellaroux's POV)
The first monster died before I fully understood where I was.
My hand closed around the nearest sword.
Not mine.
Too light. The balance leaned toward the tip, the grip was worn, and whoever had forged the blade had cared more about quantity than quality.
But, it would do.
I stepped forward.
Light flowed along the steel as I swung.
The creature's head separated from its shoulders and struck the stone beside me. Black blood sprayed across the battlement.
Something roared behind me.
I turned immediately.
Another monster had dragged itself over the wall.
Then another appeared behind it.
Good.
Whatever had happened, at least this part was clear.
Kill the enemy.
I moved.
The first creature swung a claw toward my chest.
Too slow.
I stepped inside its reach, drove the sword beneath its ribs, twisted, and pulled free before the second creature reached me.
Its mouth opened.
Space folded.
The courtyard disappeared for half a heartbeat.
