Denise’s breath caught.
Whatever stepped out of the forest line didn’t rush.
It didn’t need to.
Even from the balcony, she felt the change immediately—like the air itself had developed weight.
The courtyard lights flickered once.
Then stabilized.
And in that steady light, the thing finally became clear.
It wasn’t like the others.
It was bigger.
Not just in size—though it was—but in presence.
Like everything around it had to adjust to make room.
Denise’s fingers tightened on the railing.
“…Liam,” she whispered, even though she knew he could hear her.
Below, Liam didn’t move.
But his entire posture changed.
The attackers that had been circling him earlier now retreated another step.
The lead figure near the forest tilted its head slightly.
“Finally,” it said.
The new arriva
