Answer:
The defenders were falling from the left and right of him. Ryder, a cunning and mighty warrior, was among the defenders -- desperately trying to lead the royals into the safety of the Royal Court's dungeon. He was very young, and had hardly lived his own life yet.
Monsters called Mortem were picking them off, one by one. Their fierce purple eyes glowed in the darkness; fangs flashing in the moonlight. They had pale skin that matched the paleness of the moonlight. And they were out seeking the blood of their poor victims, breaking into the Royal Court to do so.
Ryder stayed by his charge, Prince Raoul, the whole time. He never once let him out of sight. A Mortem reached for the prince, and Ryder flung himself forward, shoving his dagger into the heart of the beast. Black blood oozed out from the monster and it glared in rage. Then it's expression went slack, not seeing anything at all.
Right as he had pulled out his dagger from the ghastly being's chest, Ryder saw yet another person fall. And not just any person -- it was Cammy. The young woman whom he had fallen in love with for the past year. A Mortem had knocked her over, just before swiftly catching hold of her and sinking his fangs into her neck.
All our hero could do was watch as the life was drained from her. Then, Ryder felt rage mix into his sorrow. Recklessly, he tried to attack the Mortem. But a firm hand had grabbed his shoulder. It was his mentor, Pedro, whose eyes were wide with alarm. Pedro frantically told him to help evacuate the royals. And with a heavy heart, Ryder turned to the palace to help escort the others.
:)
