The roar shattered the stillness of the forest, reverberating through the trees like a thunderclap.
Lin Yue's heart pounded as she gripped the jade blade tighter, its glow barely holding back the advancing shadows.
"What was that?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Wei Han's jaw clenched, his eyes scanning the treetops. "Something ancient. Something we don't want to face."
The cloaked leader sneered, their voice laced with mockery. "You've awakened more than you bargained for, Jade Heir. That roar wasn't for us—it was for you."
Lin Yue's throat tightened.
Before she could respond, the leader raised a hand, and the shadows surged forward, their forms blending into a massive wave of darkness.
"Stand your ground!" Wei Han bellowed, stepping in front of Lin Yue with his sword drawn.
Lady Zhen moved like a shadow herself, her daggers flashing as she intercepted the first wave of attackers.
Each strike was precise, but for every shadow she felled, another seemed to take its place.
Lin Yue forced herself to move.
She swung the jade blade, its light slicing through the darkness, but the enemy was relentless.
They closed in from every direction, their growls and snarls filling the air.
And then the forest fell silent.
The shadows froze, their forms flickering uncertainly, as if sensing an even greater danger.
The cloaked leader hesitated, their gaze snapping toward the source of the roar.
From the depths of the forest, a figure emerged.
It moved with a predatory grace, its massive form casting an imposing shadow against the moonlight.
Lin Yue's breath hitched.
The creature was unlike anything she'd ever seen—a massive beast with fur as black as night and eyes that burned like molten gold.
Its presence was overwhelming, radiating an ancient power that sent a shiver down her spine.
The cloaked leader took a cautious step back, their confident demeanor faltering. "Impossible... It can't be."
The beast let out another roar, its fangs bared as it locked eyes with Lin Yue.
For a moment, she felt as though it could see straight into her soul, its gaze piercing and unrelenting.
"What is that?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Wei Han's grip on his sword tightened. "A guardian of the old world. They were thought to be extinct."
Lady Zhen's eyes narrowed. "Extinct or not, it seems this one has taken an interest in you, Lin Yue."
The beast stepped closer, its movements deliberate and powerful.
The shadows recoiled, their forms dissolving as if consumed by the sheer force of the creature's presence.
The cloaked leader cursed under their breath. "Fall back!" they barked, retreating into the darkness.
Lin Yue watched as the shadows melted away, their retreat swift and chaotic.
But her relief was short-lived.
The beast was still there, its golden eyes fixed on her.
"What does it want?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Before anyone could answer, the beast lunged.
Its massive paws barely made a sound as they struck the ground, but the force of its presence was enough to send Lin Yue stumbling backward.
Wei Han and Lady Zhen moved to intercept, their weapons raised, but the beast ignored them.
It stopped mere feet from Lin Yue, its massive form towering over her.
She held the jade blade in front of her, its light flickering weakly. "Stay back," she said, though her voice lacked conviction.
The beast tilted its head, its golden eyes narrowing as it studied her.
And then, to her astonishment, it lowered itself to the ground, bowing its head in what could only be described as submission.
Lin Yue stared, her mind reeling. "Why is it...?"
Lady Zhen's voice was soft but firm. "It recognizes you. The heir of the Jade Throne commands more than just a blade. You've awakened a bond that even time could not sever."
The beast let out a low rumble, its gaze unwavering.
Lin Yue hesitated before reaching out, her fingers trembling as they brushed against its fur.
It was warm, almost comforting, and she felt a strange connection, as though the beast's presence was an extension of her own.
Wei Han lowered his sword, his expression a mixture of awe and concern. "This changes everything."
Lin Yue looked up at him, her voice steady for the first time. "What do you mean?"
"The shadows will think twice before attacking again," he said. "But this beast... it's both a blessing and a curse. Wherever it goes, so too will those who seek to control its power."
Lady Zhen crossed her arms, her gaze sharp. "And those who fear it will stop at nothing to destroy you both."
The weight of their words settled over Lin Yue like a heavy cloak.
She looked at the beast, its golden eyes glowing softly in the moonlight, and felt a surge of determination.
"Then we fight," she said, her voice firm. "I won't run anymore."
The beast let out a low growl, as if in agreement, and the jade blade in her hand pulsed faintly, its light matching the rhythm of her heartbeat.
Wei Han nodded. "Then we move at first light. There's a place we can go—a stronghold hidden deep in the mountains. It's the only place left that might be safe."
Lin Yue met his gaze. "And if it's not?"
He hesitated, then said, "Then we'll make it safe."
As they prepared to rest, the forest grew eerily quiet once more.
Lin Yue felt a sudden chill, and the pendant around her neck burned hotter than ever.
From the shadows came a faint whisper, barely audible but unmistakable:
"The beast has chosen its master... but it will not save her."
To Be Continued...