407 The Chase

The scene unfolded with brutal swiftness as the first assailant, a blur of deadly intent, closed the distance to the royal guard.

The clash of metal echoed, a harrowing melody, as the guard's sword found its mark.

Yet, the expected outcome unraveled into horror; the attacker, far from showing any signs of pain, ensnared the sword and, with a ghastly smile, drew it deeper into himself.

The royal guard, caught in the throes of battle, searched the attacker's face for any sign of human agony, only to be met with a grin that spoke of the inhuman.

This grim revelation was only the beginning of the nightmare. The attacker, with a strength that mocked the limits of flesh and bone, pulled the guard into a crushing embrace. No matter how fiercely the guard fought, his efforts were in vain against the iron grip of his foe. Then, as if to seal their grim fate, more shadows converged, their bodies a living cage, ensuring the guard's immobilization.