Twilight was slowly spreading over the dark forest surrounding Freiden, casting eerie shadows over the village ruins. The cries of the creatures had faded, replaced by a heavy silence, only disturbed by the ragged breathing of exhausted fighters. Cliff, leaning against a tree, surveyed the surroundings, his mind still mired in the chaos of the battle that had just unfolded.
The plan had failed. That single creature's alarm cry had been enough to turn the tide. In an instant, the element of surprise, carefully orchestrated by Cliff, had been reduced to nothing. Now, they found themselves scattered, each fighting for survival in a frontal combat they had tried so hard to avoid.
