The creature’s roar shook the air, a sound that clawed at my nerves and made my teeth ache. It was massive—bigger than any wolf, its form a grotesque blend of muscle and shadow, with limbs that bent wrong and eyes like burning coals. My heart slammed against my ribs as I gripped my blade, the bond with Lucian screaming in my chest—stay, fight, protect. Running wasn’t an option, not with him facing this thing head-on.
Lucian moved first, diving low to s***h at its flank, his blade sparking against its hide like it was made of stone. The creature snarled, swiping with a claw that caught his shoulder, tearing through leather and drawing blood. He grunted but didn’t falter, rolling clear as Killian swung his staff, aiming for its head. The hit landed with a c***k, but the beast barely flinche
