Four more low guttural growls echoed from the surrounding pine trees.
Stepping out from the shadows were four more Frost-Stalkers, joining the scorched leader.
A total of five massive saber-toothed abominations surrounded the small clearing, their glowing red eyes locking onto Tasha and the tiny spirit.
Tasha took a quick panting breath with her mind rapidly running the numbers.
She looked back over her shoulder toward the distant road.
The carriage was far away… at least three hundred yards out.
On the roof, she could see Klaus's towering frame slumped against the railing, completely motionless from exhaustion.
'Klaus is asleep…' Tasha thought with her teeth grinding together. 'He drove the carriage for hours, he dealt with the Cult, he fought the monsters... He's completely exhausted. I can't rely on him to save me again! I have to stand on my own two feet!'
ROAAAR!
The scorched Frost-Stalker lunged forward again, its massive jaws snapping toward her face.
