Kaelen Drayth ducked as the beast's claws raked the air above him, the force of the swipe whistling past his head. His curved blade responded with a savage upward arc, cleaving through the monster's side. It howled-a guttural, ear-piercing sound-as black ichor splattered onto the cobblestones.

The others didn't wait. Two more lunged from the fog, their glowing eyes locked on him. Kaelen kicked the first beast into the second, using the moment of chaos to retreat a step and brace himself. He adjusted his grip on the sword, his sharp eyes narrowing.

"Two more? That's not even a warmup," he said, his tone laced with grim amusement.

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The larger of the two recovered faster, a towering monstrosity of sinew and fur. Its claws scraped against the cobblestones as it crouched to leap. Kaelen shifted his weight, feigning an opening. The beast took the bait, pouncing straight toward him.

With a precise sidestep, Kaelen brought the blade down in a brutal arc, severing its head in a single blow. The decapitated body slammed into the ground, sliding across the stones before falling still.

The second beast hesitated, growling low, circling him. Kaelen grinned coldly. "Smarter than your friend, eh? Won't help you."

Before the creature could move, Kaelen closed the distance in a flash. His blade thrust forward, piercing the beast's chest. Its eyes flickered, dimmed, and finally extinguished as it collapsed at his feet.

Kaelen wiped the blade on the creature's fur, scanning the fog for more. The air was heavy with the stench of blood and decay, but the sounds of claws scraping against stone had stopped-for now.