Nina closes her eyes, focusing all her energy on conjuring an illusion. It's a simple illusion, one she's practiced countless times - a small, fluffy white rabbit. But this time, the illusion feels different, weaker than usual, the magical energy draining from her faster than she anticipated. The creature's growl intensifies, a low rumble that shakes the very ground beneath her feet. She wills the rabbit tot dart towards the entrance of the chamber, its tine, illusory paws pattering softly on the forest floor.
The creature, sensing movement, reacts instantly. the yellow eyes, burning bright in the darkness, shift from Nina to the fleeing rabbit. A guttural snarl rips through the silence as the creature unleashes a wave of dark energy, sending a tremor that shatters a large bone and sends dust raining down from the cavern ceiling. The rabbit's illusion flickers, momentarily distorted by the surge of power, before dissolving entirely.
The creature, its form still hidden in shadow, lets out another growl, this one closer, more menacing. A low hiss accompanies the sound, followed by the rustling of leaves and the snapping of twigs. It's moving, advancing towards Nina, its presence a suffocating weight in the confined space.
Rex, whimpering, nudges her hand again, his eyes wide with terror. Nina's own fear is palpable, but a spark of defiance ignites within her. This creature, whatever it is will not intimidate her into inaction. She speaks, her voice barely above a whisper, but firm. "Rex," she says, her hand instinctively reaching for the crystal, its energy now thrumming with a powerful, almost painful intensity. "We need to escape. But I need to know... what happened here." The creature's advance pauses, the sounds of its movement ceasing abruptly. The silence that follows is even more terrifying than the previous sounds. The air crackles with an unnerving tension. Nina knows this is not the end, but a critical turning point, a decision that will shape the direction of her journey. She clutches the crystal and the bag containing the remains of the adventurers, a chilling reminder of the states. The next move could be her last.