Paul, the sentinel, sounds the alarm. 

«They’re coming, fast. But they’re still far away. We have four minutes. »

All the lights turn on, blinding me for a moment. 

I quickly stand up and rush above the entrance door, the most vulnerable point of our Safe House. My two companions are doing their part, but I don’t look at them, I need to stay focused. Outside, snow covers everything, even though it’s mid-summer. Gabrielle did this: we must be sure there are no surprises in case any of them are invisible. 

I grip the amulet: in the other dimension, the Flow surrounds me, giving me warmth, power. I feel invincible.

I focus on the stone lion statues at the sides of the staircase, channelling the energy into them. I feel they are coming to life, but I order to wait. 

Now I can see the Others: six or seven figures, with a familiar in the shape of a black dog. Too many. My Flow trembles, a moment of uncertainty: I’m scared. 

The master of the dog gives an order. The black silhouette grows, expands, reaching two meters tall. A shadow monster with glowing, malevolent green eyes. Paul animates the hedges: long tendrils spring out to intercept them, binding their arms and legs, hindering their spells. 

Now! My stone lions lose their stillness, stretching like cats after a long sleep. I feel their desire to fight, sink their teeth into the Flow of the Others, growing stronger. I experience infinite joy as I unleash my wild side. We roar together, deciding to attack the monstrous dog from two sides. 

It’s strong and fast; every strike it lands creates a web of shadows that envelops my champions. It drains the Flow from the lions, making me feel small, undermining my will to win. But we react: with each successful bite, the monster loses power, shrinking until it becomes small, insignificant. 

They flee! 

With a strain, I control my lions. I use the remaining energy to turn them back to stone, huddled on their pedestals. 

Now I release the Flow, back in our world. I turn to my companions, hoping they’re okay. I find drawn faces, exhausted bodies. Paul is injured from the effort: the Flow has drained his muscles, leaving horrible sores on his skin. 

We did it. We defended our Safe House, once again. 

At least until the next attack.