The Shadow Knight
Kaelen rolled from the saddle as the horse fell, his sword already clearing its sheath.
The blade met nothing but air. These weren't creatures of flesh but living darkness, immune to mortal steel. Claws raked across his back, shredding leather and skin. Another shadow-thing flowed up his legs, its touch burning cold.
He struck wildly, uselessly. For every shadow dispersed, two more emerged from the forest's depths. They played with him - cat with mouse, predator with prey. Testing. Tasting. Finding him wanting.
Weak, a voice whispered inside his skull. Not heard but felt, like ice crystals forming in his brain. Too much light still clings. Too much humanity remains.