The third night in Blackscale Grove was supposed to be one of quiet recovery, but the forest had other plans.
Pyris and Alera had barely rested when the first sounds of rustling filled the air, the low growls and snapping branches announcing the arrival of something far more dangerous than any beast they had encountered before.
"They're coming," Pyris muttered, his eyes snapping open as the first beast lunged from the shadows. It was a massive creature with gleaming black fur and glowing red eyes—its form sleek and muscular, a predator made of pure darkness.
Alera gasped, recognizing the creature immediately. "A Shadow Wolf!" she whispered. The beast was known for its deadly ability to manipulate darkness, turning it into weapons or traps, an apex predator in the Grove.
As the Shadow Wolf circled them, its form seemed to melt into the surrounding shadows, making it nearly impossible to track. Pyris stood, his sword in hand, ready for the inevitable clash.
