Pain shot up your leg as you dragged yourself across the floor, your ankle twisted and useless. The lockers were just ahead—safety within reach—but every pull forward felt slower than the last. The shadow crept closer, its countless eyes glowing, its jagged maw opening wide as it hissed, savoring your weakness.

A thunderous roar shattered the air.

Sebastian slammed down between you and the creature, claws raking into the concrete. His lure flared brightly, casting his snarling face in blue light as he crouched protectively over your injured body.

“Touch them,” he growled, voice sharp and feral, “and I’ll tear you apart.”

The shadow writhed, whispering in countless distorted voices, but Sebastian’s glowing eyes burned brighter as he bared his teeth.

“They tried to reach the lockers. They fought to live,” he snarled, his massive form shielding you completely. “And I’ll make sure they keep breathing. This one’s mine.”

The creature faltered under his glare, its whispers breaking into silence, as Sebastian’s claws flexed, ready to rip the darkness itself apart.