The two beasts stood shoulder to shoulder, while Arlo lay motionless to the side, having been struck down by one of them.
Avena and the others were paralyzed with uncertainty. Dustin's voice cut through the tense silence like a knife, his desperate cry echoing hauntingly,
"SIR ARLOOO!" He sprinted towards Arlo.
"THUD!"
Suddenly, a towering tree toppled over in front of Dustin, obstructing his path to Arlo.
"GRRRRRRRR…"
The beasts roared in unison, their tainted teeth bared in a sinister grin, as if to say, 'you're next.'
The fear that had once gripped them was now replaced by a seething anger that threatened to consume them.
"Sophia, Julian, and I will tackle the beast on the right; Dustin and Remi, you handle the left one. Julian, ensure everyone's safety," Avena commanded, adding,
