Chapter26: Not humans!

LORRY SPRINGSTONE'S/KELLY THOMPSON'S POV  I then hear the thundering of paws behind us, getting closer with each passing second. My heart pounds in my chest, threatening to burst as adrenaline courses through my veins. "There!" Jason shouts, pointing ahead. Through the thinning fog, I catch a glimpse of what looks like an ancient stone archway, its surface covered in glowing runes. The scepter's light suddenly intensifies, nearly blinding us as it shoots toward the archway. The runes flare to life, pulsing in sync with the scepter's glow. "It's a portal!" Elowen yells over the cacophony of howls. "We need to get through it!" We push ourselves harder, our legs burning with the effort. I risk a glance behind and immediately wish I hadn't. Dark, shadowy forms are gaining on us, their red eyes showing no mercy.   Jason reaches the archway first, diving through without hesitation. Eden follows, the scepter's light trailing behind him like a comet's tail. I'm next, my lungs burning as I leap