The sharp scraping of claws sounded above them on the ceiling. Red eyes glared through the dark mist. The pale beasts were gathering on the high rocks, ready to drop onto the flat stone platform.
"Garrick! Kaelen!" Elena barked, her voice shaking with effort as she stood over Julian. "Take Clara, Vanya, and my kids to the ledge! Stand by the iron gate and hold them off!"
"My Queen, you are bleeding too much! You need to save your strength and let Clara tend your wounds!" Garrick yelled back. He swung his heavy sword, slicing through the neck of a pale monster that dropped from above. Dark blood sprayed across the cold stone.
"Do it now!" Elena shouted, her eyes glowing silver. "Get back! Marcus, move!"
Marcus stepped back toward the edge, drawing his dagger to help Garrick and Kaelen p
