The crimson sands burned beneath Solstice's boots, though it wasn't heat that caused him discomfort. It was the weight of the beast's gaze—unwavering and primal. The metallic monstrosity circled him, its massive body rippling with unnatural power. Every movement sent sparks of molten sand scattering into the air.
The creature's growl reverberated through the dunes, a low, guttural sound that made Solstice's bones vibrate. He tightened his grip on his sword, feeling the weight of the blade in his hand, the way it balanced perfectly despite the tension in his muscles.
"You don't belong here, do you?" Solstice muttered under his breath, more to himself than the creature.
The beast halted, its molten eyes narrowing as if it had understood him. Then, in one sudden burst, it lunged forward.
Instinct took over. Solstice pivoted on his heel, narrowly avoiding the beast's massive claws as they slashed through the air. The ground trembled under its weight, sending him stumbling back.
He regained his footing and swung his sword in a wide arc. The blade connected with the beast's flank, but instead of cutting through, the edge scraped harmlessly against its metallic scales, sending sparks flying.
"Tough skin," Solstice hissed, taking several steps back.
The creature reared its head, opening its glowing maw to release a searing jet of fire. The flames roared toward him, and Solstice had no choice but to dive to the side. The heat licked at his skin as the sand where he had stood melted into glass.
He rolled to his feet, panting. "Alright, big guy. Let's try that again."
The beast charged once more, faster this time. Solstice shifted his stance, waiting for the perfect moment. As the beast's claws descended, he slid beneath its massive frame, his sword trailing sparks as it scraped against the creature's underbelly.
There—a soft patch of flesh between the plated scales, exposed for the briefest moment.
Solstice sprang to his feet, twisting around to face the creature again. "So you do have a weakness."
The beast snarled, its molten eyes blazing with fury. It turned to face him, moving slower now, as if it, too, was beginning to realize this fight wouldn't be as simple as crushing its prey.
Solstice didn't wait for it to attack again. He surged forward, sword raised. The beast swiped at him, but he ducked low, sliding across the sand and striking at its vulnerable underside. This time, his blade bit deep, and the creature let out an earth-shaking roar of pain.
Molten ichor spilled from the wound, hissing as it hit the sand. The beast staggered, its movements growing erratic.
"I don't want to kill you," Solstice said, his voice steady despite the adrenaline pumping through him. "But I will if I have to."
The creature paused, as though it understood him. Its molten eyes flickered, and for a moment, Solstice thought it might retreat. But then its body began to shift. The scales rippled and twisted, the metallic sheen darkening. The wound he had inflicted began to close, the molten ichor hardening into new armor.
Solstice's heart sank. "You've got to be kidding me."
The beast roared again, louder this time, and charged. Solstice braced himself, but before it could reach him, a voice rang out across the dunes.
"Enough!"
The command was sharp and commanding, cutting through the chaos like a blade. The beast skidded to a halt, its claws gouging deep trenches into the sand.
Solstice turned toward the source of the voice.
The figure from the distant dune was now much closer, their form silhouetted against the strange, shifting sky. As they approached, their features became clearer. It was a woman, her presence as striking as the world around them. She wore a robe of deep indigo, embroidered with golden symbols that seemed to shimmer and move of their own accord. Her hair, dark as midnight, billowed around her as if carried by an unseen wind.
Her eyes—golden and piercing—met Solstice's, and he felt a strange sense of recognition, though he was certain he had never seen her before.
The beast growled low in its throat, but it didn't move.
The woman raised a hand, and the creature shrank back as though struck. "Be still, Atrox," she commanded.
The beast lowered its head, retreating a few paces before collapsing onto the sand with a huff.
Solstice lowered his sword, though he didn't let go of it entirely. "Who are you?" he demanded.
The woman stopped a few paces away, her gaze sweeping over him with the precision of someone measuring his worth. "I am the Watcher," she said simply. "And you are far from where you should be."
"I didn't exactly have a choice," Solstice replied, his grip tightening on his weapon. "What is this place? And what the hell is that thing?" He gestured toward the now-docile beast.
The Watcher's expression didn't change. "You stand on the Threshold of the Fractured Realms," she said. "A place between worlds, shaped by the choices of those who wander here."
Solstice frowned. "The Keeper mentioned something like that."
At the mention of the Keeper, the Watcher's eyes narrowed. "You've spoken with him?"
"He was guarding an archway. Told me to cross if I wanted to move forward."
The Watcher studied him for a long moment, her golden eyes unblinking. Then she sighed, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "If the Keeper allowed you passage, then perhaps there is hope for you yet. But you are not ready for what lies ahead."
"What do you mean?" Solstice asked.
Instead of answering, the Watcher turned and began to walk away. "Follow me," she said over her shoulder.
Solstice hesitated, glancing back at the beast. It remained where it was, watching him with eyes that still glowed faintly. Then he looked back at the Watcher, her figure already growing smaller against the horizon.
With a deep breath, he sheathed his sword and followed.