The courtyard erupted into organized chaos as James, his wives, and the Dragonkin scrambled to prepare for the oncoming threat. The dark harpy, silhouetted against the morning sky, grew closer, its form distorted with shadows that pulsed like dark flames. It circled above, letting out piercing shrieks that echoed through the air, sending chills through those gathered below.
Sasha, her black hair streaming behind her as she ran to join James, adjusted her grip on her sword, her face resolute. "That creature isn't just here to spy, it's here to intimidate, to rattle us before the real attack."
Emilia, quick and perceptive, readied her bow and climbed onto one of the raised platforms near the courtyard's edge, her silver hair catching the light. "It looks like this is only the beginning," she muttered, her purple eyes narrowing as she aimed at the creature.
