The hunters had barely disappeared into the forest when the wind shifted.
John hovered above the burned clearing for a few moments, wings outstretched, eyes scanning the treetops. Smoke curled lazily from the charred remains of trees and scorched underbrush, drifting in the morning light. The clearing was a ruin—but it was also a message.
He didn't need to chase the hunters. They had seen him, felt his power firsthand, and that was enough. He could already anticipate their next moves.
---
Roderic led the group back through the forest, their armor scratched, weapons dented, and expressions grim.
"Report," one of the younger hunters panted, dodging a hanging branch.
"They're…" Roderic stopped mid-step, shaking his head. "…bigger than we thought."
The mage murmured, "Not just bigger… smarter. And fast. Too fast."
"Exactly," Roderic said. "He isn't just a beast. He thinks like a predator. He's calculating."
