The air crackled with energy as Silas and the rune-covered guardian locked eyes. A low growl rumbled in Silas's chest, a sound that vibrated through the very ground beneath Ethereal’s feet. He shifted his weight, muscles bunching beneath his thick, grey fur, ready to pounce.
The guardian, unfazed by Silas's display of power, let out a dry, rasping laugh. "Another Awakened," it hissed, its voice like stones grinding together. Runes carved into its flesh pulsed with a sickly green light. "Interesting. But ultimately… irrelevant."
Without warning, the guardian lunged. It moved with unnatural speed, a blur of muscle and bone. Silas met the attack head-on, his claws extended, aiming for the creature's throat. The clash was deafening, a cacophony of snarls, roars, and the sickening thud of fle
