Filling the open doorway as though it were carved from the darkness itself, the creature's eyes burn the same black as the blood still drying on my sleeve. I throw myself forward before it can fully enter the van. My shoulder slams into its chest, and we crash onto the concrete outside. The impact knocks the breath from my lungs. Claws rake across my back, tearing through fabric and skin in three long lines. Pain flashes along my spine, bright and white.I roll and come up with the silver knife already in my hand. The thing is faster than the ones inside the warehouse. It circles me, head tilted, nostrils flaring as it catches the scent of the open wound on my arm and the fresh blood still coating the man inside the van. I feint left and drive the blade low into its thigh. Black fluid spurts from the wound. It screams, a sound like metal tearing, then backhands me, sending me skidding across the grit.My head rings. I taste copper. The creature limps after me, one leg dragging behind
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