Aiden didn't respond immediately.
He kept watching it.
Even asleep, the creature gave off a presence far beyond the others they had faced. This was not something that would fall in a single careless strike.
A faint smile formed on his lips.
"…Finally."
He adjusted his grip on the sword.
"This is what I was looking for."
Graveknit glanced at him.
"Shall I assist?"
Aiden took a step forward.
"No."
The moment Aiden stepped into the clearing, the beast's eyes snapped open.
A low, deep growl rolled through the chamber.
It lifted its head slowly, then pushed itself up, its massive frame unfolding with a heavy, grounded presence. Dust and small bits of stone slid off its body as it stood.
Now that it was fully awake, its size became even clearer.
It was easily Aiden's height.
Its limbs were thick, packed with muscle, and its claws dug slightly into the stone beneath it. Its eyes locked onto him, sharp and alert.
It knew.
This was not prey.
This was a threat.
