The sounds of battle echoed through the ruined office as Gabriel and Darius faced off against the towering, snarling figure of Brandon in his werewolf form. Both men staggered slightly, their breathing ragged, the poison coursing through their veins sapping their strength with every heartbeat.
Darius clenched his jaw. "When… did you poison us…?"
Brandon chuckled darkly, fangs glinting in the moonlight streaming through the shattered windows. "You fools were too comfortable in your little fortress. The food you ate, it was laced with my poison. Everything was planned down to the smallest detail."
"You… coward… using cheap tricks!" Darius spat, wiping blood from his lips.
Gabriel laid a steadying hand on Darius's shoulder. "Calm yourself. We still have a chance. Support me, I will need your shield."
Darius straightened, eyes fierce. "I'm ready, sir!"
Brandon let out a low growl, his claws flexing. "Surrender now. You're only prolonging the inevitable."
