"What's going on?" Aris screamed. When the spears reached them, they were supposed to die. He flung himself at the Shade, gripping the claws, but roared and it flung him away. "Something's happening!" he yelled, more to himself than others.
"I know!" Sonya screamed back A spear chucked through the Shade, barely missing him by the inch. "We have to hurry!" The Shades were becoming more powerful and damaging in their assaults. He choked on the gore that burst out of the Shade. Everyone was battling for their lives, hurtling spears, knives, and even tridents towards the Shades and Grievers as more emerged from the Crack, snarling and roaring. The right side of the button was beginning to blink; it was directing them towards the right.
It continued to blink rapidly as Aris and Rachel charged towards the corridors. He stepped over the deceased Shades, keeping his eyes trained before him, avoiding the lifeless bodies of the Icers who sacrificed themselves for him and Rachel and felt tears drip momentarily on his face. The left side was was beginning to blink, too.
Their deaths will be worth it, he thought. I have to go through the Crack.
They continued through the clad of Shades, which came charging down the corridor, fighting them off, fending each other. A Shade charged at Rachel, but Aris whipped out his knife and flung it at it. Several Shades roared, swarming over the body, the monstrous screams ceaselessly continuing.
A girl, who might only be four-years-old, screamed as two Shades tore at her head, and one leaned back to take a death bite. Since there were no Shades in his path, at least for now, he fitted an arrow and pulled back the string, releasing it. The girl screamed, flailing around before she freed herself from its claws, and Aris pulled her away.
Without thinking, with the unconscious girl in his arms, he continued sprinting down the halls. The Maze rearranged itself once more; he was soon caught between two Walls. "Ouch," the girl mumbled. He scrambled up frantically and righted himself, just as the Shades barged in.
ns 15.158.61.23da2
