The creature stood at the edge of the twilight, its glowing eyes unblinking, locked onto the group. Emily's breath caught in her throat. She'd heard of the sentinels of Nyradon in ancient stories, but seeing one—twisted and malevolent—before her was something entirely different.
Mira's bowstring was taut, ready to release an arrow at any moment. Alaric, standing protectively in front of Emily, tightened his grip on his sword, his muscles tense as he assessed the threat.
"Don't attack," Emily whispered, placing a hand on Alaric's shoulder. Her voice was steady, but her heart raced. "Not yet."
Alaric cast a glance at her over his shoulder, his jaw tight. "That thing doesn't look like it wants to negotiate."
"I know," Emily said, her voice barely audible. "But it's not here to kill us—not yet. It's testing us."
Mira, still keeping the creature in her sights, frowned. "Testing us for what?"
