[The Heart of Ashkarath Forest—Unknown Location—Continuation]
Darkness...endless darkness. The ancient forest trembled; trees swayed violently despite the absence of wind, and the earth itself seemed alive, breathing, watching, and waiting. Deep within the forbidden heart of the forest...the howl continued, ancient, furious, filled with grief, and filled with rage.
The cry spread through valleys and mountains alike. Every Shadow Wolf heard it, every beast stopped, and every predator lowered its head because they knew their King had awakened.
Meanwhile...the imperial captain stumbled backward. His sword trembled, and his breathing became uneven. For the first time in years...fear gripped his heart, real fear.
Not fear of battle and not fear of death. Fear of something ancient and something beyond ordinary understanding.
Then—
THUD.
THUD.
THUD.
