"Open up!!" Screamed a wounded Tytus. "Hurry!!" He saw the light dim in a triangular shape from down the hall. The cursed ones were close on his heels, and he stumbled as he raced away. He slid underneath the bookcase, the creatures reaching for him as he did so. He tumbled into Edwin as he crashed through, both tumbling to the ground. The bookcase dropped behind him, severing a cursed one's arm. He scrambled off Edwin and peddled backwards until he touched the wall. His breathing was heavy, and his fingers trembled. Fear and defeat lingered within his eyes like unwanted visitors.

I failed you, Danticus...

Gallador knelt next to him, but said nothing. He knew what happened, why Danticus wasn't with him. He fought back tears, which felt harder than fighting whatever was out there. He slowly rose to his feet.

"We need..." he said, trying not to choke up, "we need to get off this damned island immediately!"

"What happened out there?" Miles asked.

"What does it look like? Another ranger has fallen to those atrocities! How are we supposed to survive when our protectors can't!" Said Irving.

"Irving, hold your tongue!" Said Jazmyn.

Irving threw his hands up and sat down on an old stool, which broke underneath him. He cursed the gods and dusted himself off.

"I should've never come here!" He yelled.

Gallador sighed and wiped his eyes. "We need to collect our thoughts, and...and figure out what we need to do."

"Perhaps evacuating this forsaken castle should be a priority!" Said Irving.

"You're not helping!" Said Jazmyn.

"Bah!" He shouted, waving his hand at her.

"Listen, all of you. I'm not losing anymore people. We are going to find a way out of here, and we are going to live. We'll be back in Jorden in no time. Just hold tight and trust in us and yourselves," said Edwin. His speech lifted some of their heads, but their spirits were still low.

Irving scoffed. "You can't possibly believe that."

Edwin stared at the man, his face as hard as stone. "I must."

"Well...what should we do?" Said Miles.

Edwin sighed, and sat. "Give me some time...I'll think of something."

*****

(Thanks for reading, and I'd love to know what you think! Sound off in the comments! Your feedback is always appreciated!)