The low, rhythmic thumping of the creature's wings grew louder as it flew closer, casting a long, dark shadow over the ruined streets of Johnsbury. George's heart raced as he, Raven, and Lucy crouched behind a crumbling rooftop wall, watching the beast circle the town like a predator stalking its prey.
The creature was massive, easily the size of a small plane, with a serpentine body covered in jagged, black scales. Its glowing red eyes scanned the streets below, and every flap of its leathery wings sent gusts of wind whipping through the town. It moved with terrifying grace, its long tail swaying as it hovered over the rooftops, seemingly searching for something.
"We need to move, now," George whispered urgently, pulling his rifle closer to his chest. "If that thing spots us, we're done for."
Lucy nodded, her face pale but determined. "Let's go. We can make it to the truck if we stick to the shadows."
