A few meters behind the monster, Myles stood swaying on his feet.
His breath came fast and ragged. Blood ran down his face, blurring his vision and dripping from his chin.
His whole body screamed in protest as he forced his body to move again, driven by nothing but stubborn will and determination.
"Just a little more," he thought, teeth clenched.
Earlier, pain had locked him in place. Every attempt to push himself faster had torn through his body like knives, dragging him back down while the others were being struck one by one.
He had watched it happen in helplessness. He felt deep regret. But he couldn't do anything. Even reaching this distance at all was a miracle with his condition. He was still too weak.
Black shadows writhed around the monster's legs, crawling upward his body.
