Shane gripped Noah’s hand tightly as they ran. He silently cursed at himself. Why had they left Avery alone? They were close, yes, but they weren’t safe yet. It had been a stupid mistake.

They pushed through a bush and emerged into a clearing. Three meters away, Avery stood facing a large creature.

The monster looked like a lion for the most part, but it had two large wings sprouting from its back and its tail was a scorpion’s tail. The tip of the tail glistened as it flicked back and forth.

Noah’s grip tightened on Shane’s hand. When he looked over, Shane saw pure terror on Noah’s face. For a moment, Shane thought Noah could see the monster.

“It’s a Manticore.” Noah had gone pale. He took a step back. “This isn’t good.”

Shane gave Noah’s hand a reassuring squeeze before letting go to reach for his sword. He studied the Manticore, looking for the best place to strike. With it focused on Avery, he would have one chance to surprise it.

But before he could make his attack, the Manticore flicked its tail forward. A spike flew from the end of its tail. It was like a missile, headed straight for Avery.

Luckily, Avery was watching the monster. She rolled out of the way and the spike embedded itself in the forest floor where she had been. The grass around it steamed with purple smoke.

Avery sprang to her feet and focused on the Manticore again. Without looking away, she sidestepped around the clearing’s perimeter until she had reached Shane and Noah. Even then, she kept her attention on the Manticore.

“How do we fight it?” She asked.

Shane started to shake his head, but Noah answered. “From afar. There’s venom on its spikes. Very pottant and extremely deadly. The bite too.”

Shane stared at Noah, wondering where the information had come from. He didn’t appear to be drained like previously. Either he already knew the dangers of a Manticore, or he was getting better at receiving Apollo’s messages.

“Alright.” Avery drew her bow. “I’ll fight it. Shane,” She didn’t look at him, but the harshness in her voice was enough to convey a stern look. “Keep Noah safe.”

Before Shane could say anything, Avery was dashing across the clearing.

“Come on.” Shane took Noah’s hand again and tugged him toward the bushes. They crouched there, trying to hide. Shane doubted it would do much if the Manticore wanted to find them. It would probably be able t smell them.

But he tried not to think about that. Instead, he watched Avery shoot and dodge.

He marveled at her skill. In one motion she nocked, drew, fired, and reached for a new arrow. She never once looked away from the Manticore.

Which meant she wasn’t looking at her feet, something Shane didn’t think about until she stumbled on a rock. His heart thudded in his throat as he watched her drop her bow and fall to the ground. She had to look away to find where the bow had landed.

The Manticore roared and reared back.

“Avery!” Shane shouted a warning. Beside him, Noah tensed.

The Manticore turned. It sniffed the air and its eyes zeroed in on the bush where they were hiding. It roared again, flicking its tail.

Time seemed to slow down as the spike shot through the air. Shane watched it. He realized that, based on its trajectory, it would miss him. It was too far to his right.

Cold terror filled him as he turned.

Noah was on his right.

There was no time to even shout. Shane just threw himself at Noah, knocking the unprepared boy to the ground.

The spike bit into Shane’s cheek as he fell on top of Noah. The sensation burned cold, and the pain consumed every nerve in his body. It was the worst thing Shane had ever experienced.

For a moment, he thought of his last conversation with his father. ‘Don’t be a hero.’

“Sorry.”

Then it all ended in blackness.