The remaining four beasts growled low in their throats. Their heads swiveled confusedly between Kael and the sentinel, unsure of what to do. Their instincts screamed conflicting orders.
Kael backed up slowly. Each step sent fresh pain through his shoulder. Blood pooled in his boots, making them squelch. His Night Predator trait blared warnings in his head, detecting danger from all sides with no safe direction.
He had to finish the pack before that thing reached him.
Kael darted forward, committing fully. He moved through the beasts like a ghost. His blade work was precise now. Stab. Slash. Roll.
One beast fell, throat opened. Another lunged. Kael ducked under its leap and hamstrung it on the way past. It collapsed, unable to stand. He finished it with a quick thrust through the eye.
