### **Chapter 3: The Beasts of the Enemy**
The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of deep crimson and gold. The air was tense as Riven and his group crept through the dense forest, their footsteps muffled by the thick underbrush. Ahead of them lay a small enemy outpost, a forward camp used to scout the area and prepare for the larger invasion force. It wasn't much, but it was their first target—and their first real test against the enemy.
"Stay low," Riven whispered, signaling with a hand for the group to halt. Nyx, his fiery wolf companion, crouched beside him, her amber eyes locked on the flickering torchlight ahead. Zephyr, the sleek hawk with midnight-blue feathers, perched silently on a branch above, scanning the area with his sharp gaze. Astra, the sturdy lynx with silver fur and glowing violet eyes, padded quietly at Lia's side, her muscles tensed and ready.
Kieran moved up to Riven's side, his usual grin replaced with a grim determination. "Think they know we're here?" he murmured.
Riven shook his head. "Not yet. But they will soon enough."
---
### **The Enemy Revealed**
As they crept closer, the enemy camp came into full view. A dozen soldiers milled about, their armor glinting faintly in the torchlight. But it wasn't the soldiers that drew Riven's attention—it was the beasts.
Three hulking creatures stood among the soldiers, each more terrifying than the last. One was a massive, scaled lizard with claws like scythes and a tail that whipped the ground, leaving deep gouges in the dirt. The second was a serpent-like beast, its sleek black body coiling and uncoiling as it hissed softly. The third was a hulking bear-like creature, its fur bristling with spikes that glimmered ominously in the firelight.
"They've bonded with them," Lia whispered, her voice barely audible. "These aren't just wild beasts—they're under control."
Riven's jaw tightened. The enemy had tamed these creatures, bending them to their will. It was a chilling reminder of what they were up against.
"We'll have to take them down first," Riven said. "If we focus on the soldiers, those things will tear us apart."
---
### **The Battle Begins**
The plan was simple: strike hard and fast, eliminate the beasts, and scatter the remaining soldiers. Riven gave the signal, and chaos erupted.
Nyx was the first to move, her fiery form a blur as she leapt into the camp, snarling and snapping at the lizard-like beast. Her claws slashed across its scaled hide, sparks flying as the two collided. Zephyr swooped down from above, his talons raking across the serpent's head in a flurry of sharp strikes. Astra charged the spiked bear, her agile movements keeping her just out of reach of its deadly swipes.
Riven and Lia followed close behind, their weapons flashing in the torchlight as they engaged the soldiers. Kieran, always eager for a fight, darted between foes, his twin daggers moving in a deadly dance.
The enemy beasts fought back with a ferocity that took Riven's group by surprise. The lizard roared, slamming its tail into the ground and sending a shockwave through the camp. Nyx was thrown back but quickly recovered, her growl deepening as she charged again. The serpent lashed out at Zephyr, its fangs grazing his wing and drawing blood. Zephyr screeched in pain but refused to back down, diving at the serpent's eyes in a relentless assault.
Astra found herself locked in a brutal clash with the spiked bear. The creature's strength was overwhelming, each swing of its claws threatening to end the fight in an instant. But Astra was quick, darting in and out of its reach, her claws finding weak points in its thick fur.
---
### **A Turning Tide**
Despite their best efforts, it became clear that the enemy beasts were more than a match for Riven's companions. The lizard's scales were nearly impervious to Nyx's attacks, and the serpent's speed made it difficult for Zephyr to land a decisive blow. Astra was holding her own against the bear, but the toll of the fight was beginning to show.
"We need to change tactics!" Riven shouted, parrying a soldier's blade before delivering a swift counterattack.
"On it!" Kieran replied, breaking away from the fight and sprinting toward the lizard. He hurled a dagger, aiming for the beast's eye, but the blade glanced off its scales. "Damn it!"
Lia joined Astra against the bear, her sword flashing in precise, calculated strikes. Together, they managed to push the creature back, but it was far from defeated.
Riven turned his focus to the serpent, his connection with Zephyr strengthening as he called upon their bond. "Zephyr, now!" he commanded. The hawk responded immediately, diving at the serpent's head while Riven rushed in with his blade. Their combined attack finally landed a solid blow, forcing the serpent to retreat with a pained hiss.
---
### **A Costly Retreat**
Despite the small victories, the battle was taking its toll. The enemy beasts were relentless, and the soldiers showed no signs of breaking. Riven's group was being pushed to their limits.
"We can't win this," Lia said, her voice tight with frustration. "Not like this."
Riven hated to admit it, but she was right. Their first engagement with the enemy had turned into a brutal stalemate, and every second they stayed risked further injury—or worse.
"Fall back!" Riven ordered, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Regroup in the forest!"
The group retreated in a controlled withdrawal, covering each other as they fled the camp. Nyx, Zephyr, and Astra followed, their movements sluggish but determined. The enemy didn't pursue, seemingly content with their victory.
---
### **Lessons Learned**
Back in the safety of the forest, the group took stock of their situation. Nyx lay curled at Riven's side, her flames dimmed as she licked at a wound on her leg. Zephyr perched on a low branch, his injured wing tucked close to his body. Astra sat quietly, her silver fur matted with blood.
"That was a disaster," Kieran said, his voice heavy with frustration. "We barely made a dent, and now they know we're coming."
Riven ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing. "We underestimated them. Their beasts... they're not like anything we've faced before."
Lia knelt beside Astra, her hands gentle as she cleaned the lynx's wounds. "We need a new plan," she said. "Something that doesn't rely on brute force."
Riven nodded, his resolve hardening. "We'll figure it out. We don't have a choice."
Despite the pain of their first defeat, the group was alive—and together. They had faced the enemy and learned valuable lessons. The road ahead would be even more dangerous, but they were ready to face it.