The first creature burst forward from the tunnel with a sharp screech. Rowan barely had time to react. The oversized rat lunged from the shadows with unnatural speed, its claws scraping across the stone floor as it launched itself straight toward him.
Rowan's instincts took over. His sword came up just in time. His steel touched fur and bone with a dull impact as the blade struck the creature mid-leap. The monster fell sideways, rolling across the ground before scrambling upright again.
Rowan took one step backward, afraid by the force of the collision. The creature's eyes locked onto him again. Behind it, dozens more shapes poured out from the darkness. "Rats!" Rowan shouted.
"Dungeon rats," Aurelion corrected mockingly. The prince stepped forward with smooth, effortless motion, his sword sliding free of its sheath like a sliver of moonlight in the dim cavern glow.
