---
But more still swarmed from the canyon. Their numbers were still high.
Sekhmet's breath hitched. He could not kill them all. He could only buy time. He turned and ran back toward the crack, blood dripping from his mouth, eyes fierce.
"Move!" he shouted into the crevice.
Inside, Lily's eyes widened at the sight of blood on his face.
Sekhmet did not explain.
He grabbed her wrist again, pulling her up.
"We run again," he said.
The two guards moved, supporting Lily from the other side. Bat Bat fluttered overhead, shouting.
"Run! Run!"
The kobols howled and chased again.
KRAAAH!
Sekhmet's body felt stronger now, but his mind felt dangerous. He could feel the bloodlust still hovering behind his eyes like a shadow waiting to take control again.
He clenched his jaw and focused on Lily's hand in his.
Warm.
Alive.
Human.
He would not bite her.
He would not.
