I cursed as I darted forward, jumping over one of those damn LUDs. My approach wasn’t stealthy. The demon spun toward me and clawed at my head. I dipped low and then sprang up behind the Nightcrawler, drawing the sword up with me. The fire cut through bone and tissue like it was paper. The demon erupted into flames, leaving behind nothing but ash.

“Thanks,” Cayman gasped, snapping the neck of another Nightcrawler.

I nodded as I rushed toward a Shadow Person creeping up behind Roth. As I lifted my sword, I felt coldness dance along my neck and settle between my shoulders.

“He’s here!” I yelled, taking down the shadow.

And then there he was, strolling out of the tunnel like he was taking a walk in the park, his white-blond hair a stark contrast against the gloom.

“Bambi!” Roth shouted, calling for his familiar. “Off!”

Nothing happened.

Sulien chuckled as he strode forward. “You’ll find that the wards will prevent your familiars from making an appearance.”

Hell.

That was unforeseen, but I didn’t have the time to dwell on that development. I lowered my sword, standing with my feet shoulder width apart. “Nice of you to join us.”

“I like to make an entrance.” His grace roared to life as Cayman started toward him, the deadly spear sparking white fire tinged in blue. He pointed it at Cayman’s chest. “I would not take one more step.”

“Back off, Cayman.” I started forward. “I got this.”

For a moment, I didn’t think Cayman was going to listen, but he lifted off the ground, snatching up a LUD and throwing it like a beanbag at a nearby Nightcrawler.

“Are you sure you got this, darlin’?” Sulien asked.

“What did I tell you about calling me that? And yeah,” I said, stepping back and slicing through the Shadow Person that appeared in my central vision. “I got this.”

“You’re right where I wanted you, though,” Sulien said. “Did you think about that?”

The final Shadow Person went up in a ripple of smoke. “Are you just going to stand there?” I demanded of Sulien. “Afraid to fight?”

“No.” He dipped his chin as he crossed his chest with the spear. “I’m waiting.”

Taking shallow breaths, l gave the cavern a quick scan. I saw no more Shadow People or Nightcrawlers. There were still a few LUDs running around and chattering. “Waiting for—”

A horn blared, the sound so deafening and otherworldly I knew it could be the sign of only one thing.

“Roth! Cayman!” I shouted. “Get out of here. Now!”