The mill was chaos when I burst back inside. Kael's shade filled half the space, a massive thing of living darkness that tore through anyone who got too close. But even with that power, he was losing. There were too many enemies, and they'd positioned themselves strategically to attack from multiple angles at once.
One of them had some kind of magical weapon that actually hurt the shade. Every time the blade connected, Kael flinched like he'd been struck himself. Blood ran down his face from a cut above his eye, and his movements were getting slower.
I didn't think. Just acted.
My first knife took one attacker in the throat. The second caught another in the shoulder, spinning him around. The distraction was enough for Kael's shade to destroy three more enemies.
"I told you to run!" Kael shouted, not taking his eyes off the fight.
"And I told you we're partners! Now shut up and let me help you!"
