The roar reverberated through Greenwood Forest like the sound of mountains colliding.
John's golden eyes narrowed. His massive black form tensed as his tail lashed behind him, stirring clouds of mist and scattering small animals into the trees. The very air seemed to vibrate with raw energy.
Elena felt it too. Her hand instinctively rested on the hilt of her sword, though she hadn't drawn it yet. The magic around them was not just strong—it was ancient, oppressive, and… wrong.
Marcus's jaw tightened. He had faced dragons, demons, and monsters of various sizes, but this… this was unlike anything he had ever felt. His fingers itched to draw his sword, but he kept it sheathed. Elena's calm demeanor was the anchor keeping him from acting rashly.
"…That's not just a monster," John muttered, his voice deep and calm, but carrying a weight that made even Marcus pause. "That's something older than most kingdoms."
Elena glanced at him. "Older than the forest itself?"
