Clementine:
I fought off as many fleshmingos as I could, cutting through the chaos while trying to save my mates, who had suddenly stopped fighting.
They looked around blankly, lost.
They were defending themselves, thankfully, but not killing any of the creatures.
They’d dodge, step aside, and freeze again.
I had no choice but to charge forward, slicing down every Fleshmingo that lunged their way.
When I saw a cluster of them heading toward my squadmates’ room, something inside me snapped.
I didn’t care if I died, I would protect them.
I sprinted to the door, slammed it shut, and stood in front of it, blocking the way.
One Fleshmingo’s neck met my blade, another I stabbed straight through the eye just as it leapt for me.
"Guys, wake up!" I shouted, pounding on the door.
More of the creatures poured in, clawing and shrieking.
My only option left was to move my mates.
I shoved Troy, Haiden, and Yorick toward the room, cutting down the monsters that got too close.
Thankfully, they didn’t resist.
I kicked the door open and pushed them inside while still swinging both blades.
Mira and the others had woken up, but their faces were frozen in shock, too stunned to process what was happening.
Just as I was about to follow them in, excruciating pain tore through my back.
AFleshmingo had bitten me.
Its beak clamped down so hard that my whole body trembled.
I spun around, slashing at its neck, then stabbed it through the eye.
It screeched as the others howled in response.
Suddenly, a strong hand gripped the back of my neck and yanked me inside, slamming the door shut behind me.
It was Sebastian, finally awake, and just in time.
Now all of us were trapped in the room.
Mira, Sebastian, and Renee pressed their bodies against the door to hold it shut while I rushed to pry the window open.
The mansion was suffocating with danger, we needed to get out if we wanted to live.
"Come on, help me!" I yelled at Yorick, Haiden, and Troy. They looked around in confusion.
"Where’s Oriana?" Yorick asked.
I rolled my eyes, tearing at the nailed planks on the window.
"We can’t hold it much longer!" Renee cried.
The door shuddered under the weight of the monsters. I could see my squadmates’ bodies lurch forward each time the creatures slammed into it.
"Just a second!" I shouted. Finally, the windows were open.
"Everyone out!" I screamed. My mates jumped first, and dread twisted in my chest—they were going after Oriana.
I threw myself against the door, using my full weight to brace it.
"Go after them!" I ordered my squadmates. "They’re not in their senses—protect them!"
"What about you?" Mira shouted.
"I’ll be fine! As soon as you’re out, I’ll follow!" I yelled back, forcing a reassuring tone.
Thankfully, they didn’t hesitate.
One by one, they jumped out into the night while I pressed harder against the shaking door, fighting to hold it closed as the growls on the other side grew louder.
Once I stepped out of the mansion, I realized how many Fleshmingos were already storming inside.


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