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Renth! She howled down my bond, hoping to reach my familiar. He must have heard her since he rushed over to help us.
Tamerin was almost to the gate marker when the largest damn hyena-spider rose before him, causing him to slide to a stop.
“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.” He was chanting the words as he tried to figure out how to get past. He fainted left and then right. But the creature crouched, waiting, only its eyes following its prey.
A long red and black arm shot out from the gate opening and grabbed it around its neck, pulling it back inside. It didn't even have a moment to shriek, it had happened so fast.
Tamerin paused, the shock reflecting in every muscle. A few moments later, its carcass flew back out, flying over his head before landing in the sand with a thump.
“Go, Tamerin! That’s Stet or one of his people! Go!” I shouted at him, trying to make sure at least he survived this mess.
The attacking predators surrounded Lexi and me, preventing us from reaching our destination. The old man glanced back at us, hesitating like he was thinking of coming back to help us.
But he shouldn’t. These beasts were enormous, and they now were close enough we could smell their stench. Tamerin wouldn't get back to us in time. And even if he could, he would be more of a hindrance than any real help.
A bulky red and black mottled arm extended once again and pulled the old man through the gate, Tamerin screaming with fear.
Two young guardians I didn’t know sprinted out afterwards, their weapons trained on the surrounding creatures.
Several of those monsters around us turned to take on this unknown attack, but they were no challenge for the blasters the demons carried. A third demon guardian stepped out the gate, his motions almost leisurely. He was larger than even Stet. In fact, he was the biggest Peace Guardian I had ever seen. Fucker didn't need a weapon either, as he just started ripping the creatures apart with his hands.
The pack members the furthest away from us stood indecisive. They wanted in on the hunt, but realized these newcomers were stronger, faster, and more deadly than they were. Finally, many of them scattered, only turning to growl and spit at us once they were a considerable distance away.
“Come on!” One of the younger guardians shouted, rushing over to us. I dropped my shield as he grabbed Lexi, throwing her over his shoulder. He gestured for me to go in front of him. No need to tell me twice. I sprinted towards the entrance with him as more of the creatures appeared in the distance. With the additional numbers to boost their courage, the ones that had retreated now returned to hunt us once again, not wanting to lose their prey.
The guardian carrying Lexi disappeared into the gate. I halted, twisting around to yell for Renth. “Now!”
The lecanifer turned and leaped over to me, but the gigantic demon guardian moved to intercept him, grabbing my familiar around his waist and pulling him in tight to his body.
Shit! They think he is the enemy! I darted over to the guardian, pulling on one of those arms, the need to save my familiar almost blinding me.
“Leave him alone! He’s coming with me!” I screamed. "He's mine!"
The guardian stared back at me, looking as if he would ignore my words and kill my friend. I started punching at his arms, my fists bouncing off of his skin. Seeing that I wouldn’t leave, he tossed Renth through the gate opening. He growled, "Come on then."
Sliding through the energy barrier, he grabbed one of my arms and yanked me through. I slid into Gate World, falling onto my knees next to Renth.
The last two demons stalked in, closing the gate with a snap.
The silence was heavy, but I was more concerned with my familiar. I patted him all over, looking to see if he had been injured in any way.
You okay?
I am fine, Soren. But I think there is something you need to attend to.
Nothing is more important than you, friend.
Soren…
“Soren—” Betta’s voice sounded behind me.
I turned to glare at my sister.
Betta was standing bracketed by her guardian friends. Stet was beside her and the oversized demon who had thrown Renth was towering behind them. The other two guardians were off to one side.
I looked around us and saw Lexi was standing next to Tamerin, who was crouching on the ground. She must have shifted and gotten dressed, since she was in human form, wearing her backpack.
“What is the meaning of this, Soren? How can you bring back others from that world with you?” Betta's voice was threatening.
