Mikhailis and Cerys stood frozen for a split second as the Thorncrawler queen emerged from the smoking nest. The creature was massive—easily towering over them at nearly three meters tall, covered in thick, dark thorns that shimmered menacingly in the dim light. It let out a screech that echoed through the clearing, sending chills down Mikhailis's spine. The ground shook as the queen planted its thorn-covered legs, and in an instant, it shot massive needle-like thorns into the earth, effectively trapping them within a circle of jagged spikes.
"Well, that's new," Mikhailis muttered, his eyes widening as he took in their now limited options for escape.
