Damon reacted instinctively.
He hadn't spread his shadow perception too far—no doubt avoiding the risk of something sensing him first—but his danger sense was still active, if dulled by the constant danger around them.
At the sound of walls being shattered, Xander's arm had already moved. His shield slammed up, deflecting the wreckage, then sent it hurtling back with a surge of gravity at the creature that had lunged at them.
They had grown used to this sort of chaos in the month Damon had been gone. With his absence, the others had learned to adapt—to rely less on his danger sense, and more on their own instincts.
Damon followed Xander's defensive maneuver, ducking behind him and firing a magic bullet toward the unknown assailant.
He heard a grunt as the bullet struck its target.
Evangeline was already moving, her sword gleaming as it arced forward.
"Radiant Blade—!"
A golden arc of light followed Damon's bullet. However, the creature didn't even attempt to dodge.
