As the shadow recovers, Nina has a flash of inspiration. She weakens her shield slightly, creating a momentary vulnerability in it. The creature, sensing an opening, lunges with renewed ferocity, its claws extended. But as it strikes, the shield doesn't shatter; it merely ripples, absoring the impact before reforming. It's a calculated risk, a carefully controlled display of weakness designed to lure the beast in closer. As the wolf overextends itself, its focus entirely on the supposed breach in Nina's defenses, she whistles a sharp command to Rex.
Rex, with a guttural growl, explodes into action. With speed and agility that seem to exceed the shadow lycan's, he darts past the momentarily stunned creature and seizes its throat in a vise-like grip, his powerful jaws clamping down with ferocious intent. The shadow, caught completely off guard, bellows in pain, its shadowy form flickering erratically as it struggles against the hound's hold. The creature thrashes wildly, claws slashing at the air, but Rex maintains his grip, his powerful jaws unwavering. Nina maintains her shield, ready to intervene if needed, but Rex's strength and precision is far greater than she could have ever anticipated.
The lycan's struggles grow weaker until, with a final shudder, it collapses into dust, leaving behind only a faint whisper of lingering shadow. Nina stares at the spot where the creature had been, her breath catching in her throat. She kneels, gently stroking Rex's head, a deep sense of gratitude washing over her. "Good boy," she murmurs, her voice thick with emotion. Rex whines softly, nudging her hand with his wet nose.
He might not understand the full extent of what he'd done, but he knows he'd protected her, and that, for now, is enough. The whispers return, fainter now, their seductive promises sounding hollow and pathetic. Nina feels a surge of confidence she hadn't realized she possessed. "We'll continue on our own terms." she states firmly, as if speaking to the shadows themselves. the path ahead remains shrouded in darkness, but the victory over the shadow lycan has imbued her with a newfound resolve, a sense of growing power that suggests she's ready for whatever challenges lie before her.