The growl echoed through the forest, a low, rumbling sound that made Jon's blood run cold. It was close, too close. His fingers tightened around the hilt of his greatsword, drawing the blade fully from its scabbard as he turned, trying to pinpoint the source of the sound.
The mist thickened, swirling around his legs like a living thing, and the forest seemed to grow darker with every passing moment. The strange, reddish light that had filtered through the trees was almost gone now, replaced by an unnatural gloom that pressed down on him from all sides.
"Whatever it is, it's getting closer," Jon whispered, his breath quickening. His eyes darted from shadow to shadow, trying to catch a glimpse of the creature hunting him.
"Jon, we need to move," Isolde's voice urged, sharp and urgent. "This thing is no ordinary beast."
Jon took a slow step backward, his boots sinking slightly into the damp earth. His heart raced in his chest, adrenaline coursing through him as he strained to listen for the slightest sound. For a moment, all was silent. Too silent. The forest, once alive with whispers and rustling leaves, had gone deathly still.
Then, without warning, the creature lunged from the shadows.
It was massive, a hulking form of fur and muscle, its eyes glowing like embers in the darkness. Jon barely had time to react before it was upon him, its claws swiping toward him with deadly speed. He threw himself to the side, rolling across the ground as the beast's claws slashed through the air where he had been standing just moments before.
He came up on one knee, his sword raised defensively, eyes locked on the creature. It was like nothing he had ever seen—a twisted, wolf-like beast, its body covered in black fur matted with blood. Its eyes burned with a savage intelligence, and its mouth was filled with jagged teeth, each one dripping with saliva.
The beast growled again, its massive body tensed, ready to strike.
Jon forced himself to his feet, his heart pounding in his ears. "I don't suppose you have any advice on killing something like this?" he muttered to Isolde, his voice strained.
"Survive," Isolde replied, her voice grim. "And strike when it's least expected."
The beast charged again, moving faster than something its size had any right to. Jon barely managed to sidestep its attack, slashing out with his sword as he moved. The blade caught the beast's flank, cutting through fur and flesh, but the creature barely flinched, its eyes burning with fury as it turned to face him again.
Jon gritted his teeth, sweat beading on his forehead. This was going to be harder than he thought.
The two circled each other in the clearing, the mist swirling around their feet. The beast's eyes never left Jon, its muscles rippling beneath its fur as it prepared to strike again. Jon knew he couldn't keep dodging forever—he needed to find a way to end this, and fast.
But the creature was fast. Faster than anything Jon had faced before.
It lunged again, its claws slicing through the air. Jon swung his sword up to block the attack, the force of the blow nearly knocking the blade from his hands. He stumbled back, his feet slipping on the wet ground, but he managed to keep his balance. Barely.
Before he could recover, the beast was on him again, its claws raking across his chest. Jon let out a sharp cry as pain exploded through his body. He staggered, blood pouring from the deep gashes in his armor. His vision blurred for a moment, but he shook his head, trying to stay focused. He couldn't afford to lose focus now.
"Jon!" Isolde's voice was frantic now, her presence surging through him, a warm, protective force that barely kept him standing.
He swung his sword wildly, trying to keep the creature at bay, but it was relentless. The beast struck again, its claws catching him across the arm this time, tearing through muscle and sinew. Jon's grip on his sword faltered, and he nearly dropped the blade, his hand slick with blood.
The creature snarled, sensing its advantage. It moved in for the kill, its eyes burning with a savage hunger.
Jon backed away, his breathing ragged, his body screaming in pain. His vision was growing darker, the edges of the world blurring as blood seeped from his wounds. He could hear Isolde's voice, but it was distant now, like a whisper carried on the wind.
The beast lunged one final time, and Jon swung his sword in a desperate, last-ditch effort to defend himself. The blade connected with the creature's neck, cutting deep, but not deep enough. The beast roared in pain, but it didn't stop. Its claws raked across Jon's side, sending him crashing to the ground.
Jon hit the earth hard, the impact driving the air from his lungs. His sword fell from his hand, clattering to the ground a few feet away. He tried to push himself up, but his body wouldn't respond. The pain was overwhelming, crashing over him like a wave, dragging him under.
The last thing he saw before darkness claimed him was the creature, standing over him, its glowing eyes locked onto his.
And then, there was nothing.
To be continued...