Then Arthur saw it.
Shadows moving between the trees, low to the ground, fast.. and far too many.
As they closed in, the rhythm of their steps began to shake the ground beneath them.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
Torren cursed under his breath.
"…That's not seven."
"No," Ryn replied calmly. "It isn't."
Arthur tilted his head slightly, watching the distance shrink between them.
Instead of tightening, his grip on the dagger loosened.
More.
He could feel it again.. that familiar pull, quiet but certain, sitting at the back of his mind.
Intent Points.
Waiting.
Just a few seconds more.
As Nox rushed past him to slip behind their line, he glanced at her. Her breathing was sharp, but controlled. She didn't freeze, didn't hesitate.. she just moved and took her position.
Arthur gave a small nod.
Ryn's voice cut cleanly through the tension.
"Hold formation."
Everyone snapped into place.
No panic or wasted movement.
They had done this before..
Just not at this scale.
