The journey to the Arkon Expanse had been grueling, even before they arrived at its entrance. Kaden led the group carefully, mapping the safest possible route in his mind. But in the wild, safety was more of a wish than a guarantee. It wasn't long before the first beasts appeared—a pair of Varkyn Hounds with gleaming fangs and predatory snarls. Kaden had expected chaos, particularly from the two girls. To his surprise, they proved him wrong.
Lyra, the brat, stepped forward without hesitation. Flames erupted from her hands as she launched a reckless and aggressive attack at the nearest hound. The fire scorched the beast's hide, and it fell in seconds, but not before Lyra nearly stumbled into its snapping jaws.
"Careful, brat," Kaden muttered under his breath, hurling one of his throwing knives into the second hound before it could pounce on her. The knife pierced its eye with precision, dropping it instantly.
