CHAPTER 13 Death

I stumbled into the fray, my every move thwarted by Lilith's supernatural strength. With a forceful shove, she tossed me aside like a rag doll, sending me crashing into the casket. The lid flew open, revealing its occupant still comatose within. From my downed position, I watched through blurry vision as Lilith stalked toward Lord Abercrombie, her predatory gait sending shivers down my spine. Abercrombie, battered and bruised, crawled weakly on the ground, his hand trembling as he reached behind his back. It was clear that he was struggling in his human form, his strength depleted from the battle. As Lilith closed in on him, ready to deliver the final blow, Abercrombie made a desperate move. With a sudden burst of energy, he leapt from the circle of sea salt that he had painstakingly drawn earlier. Lilith, caught off guard, reached out in vain to grab him, but found herself trapped within the confines of the salt circle. Triumphantly, Abercrombie and I stood over her, the vestiges o