A thousand lies sprouted in my head, and I uprooted each of them. This wasn’t the time for explanations. I eyed the beast, wishing I’d chosen some other weapon. Something sharp or pointy. Clobbering it on the head was only likely to make it angry. “Can we discuss my execution later?”

Another growl, the gravelly sound making the pit already growing in my stomach widen further. It came for me again, and this time I was ready. I brought my staff up and struck the construct on the nose, hard as I could.

It yelped and shook its head at the blow, though I hadn’t done so much as draw blood. I rushed forward, trying to take advantage of its momentary hesitation.

For a creature so large, it was surprisingly quick. It ducked away from my follow-up blow, teeth bared. I caught a glimpse of Lin, stalking closer.

“Get to the ladder,” I called to her. “I don’t know how long I can hold it off.” I wasn’t sure if I could hold it off at all. Why was I sticking my neck out for her? All I knew was that I couldn’t just leave her down here to face this creature alone, no matter who she was. I was getting soft. Maybe I’d always been soft.

The construct, sensing my attention had wavered beyond it, turned its golden-eyed gaze on Lin. Its irises flashed in the lamplight. Claws dug into the stone.

I should have considered making a run for the ladder myself, but instead I raised my voice. “Hey – finish what you started!” Technically, it had started with Lin, but I doubted it was going to stop to correct this mistake.

I was right.

It wheeled on me, charging like a deer in the middle of mating season. I supposed I should be grateful it didn’t have horns. I stumbled back, my footing uneven on the stone floor, catching myself with the end of my staff. Did it matter if I died on my own two feet or on the ground? I lifted my staff and the creature pulled up just short of me, grunting. The nose was a pain point, then. Even the most fearsome beasts had sensitive spots. The eyes, too. I could aim for those.

I needed to bring its massive head within reach.

Mephi’s voice echoed into the chamber. “Can I help?”

“You can help by staying there and being ready to close the hatch,” I called back. I took another step back and felt the wall.