The eerie silence of Gloomshade Forest was broken only by the rustling of leaves and the occasional drip of water from moss-covered branches. A thick fog clung to the ground, curling around Kael's boots as he led the way through the ancient woods. His sword was drawn, the blade glinting faintly in the dim light.
"This place is wrong," Aria muttered, her eyes darting to every shadow. "The trees… they're listening."
Eldrin's voice was calm but tense. "Dark magic has tainted this forest for centuries. Drakmor's influence only strengthens it."
Kael kept his gaze forward, unwilling to let fear take root. "Then we cut through it fast."
They pressed on, the twisted trees looming like skeletal giants. The air grew colder, and Kael's breath misted in front of him. A chill ran down his spine—not just from the temperature but from the oppressive sense of being watched.
Then, it came.
A guttural roar shattered the silence. Birds scattered from the treetops, and the ground trembled beneath their feet. Kael spun, heart racing, as a monstrous figure emerged from the fog.
It stood over ten feet tall, covered in black scales that shimmered like obsidian. Crimson eyes glowed with primal rage, and jagged claws scraped the forest floor.
"A Sentinel Beast," Eldrin said grimly. "Drakmor's guardian."
Kael tightened his grip on his sword. "Looks like we don't have a choice."
Aria loosed an arrow without hesitation. The projectile struck the beast's shoulder but bounced off harmlessly.
"Great," she muttered. "It's armored."
The beast roared and charged, its massive claws tearing through trees as if they were twigs.
"Scatter!" Eldrin shouted.
Kael rolled to the side, barely avoiding the beast's swipe. Aria darted behind a tree, nocking another arrow. Eldrin raised his staff, blue energy crackling around him.
Kael gritted his teeth. "We need to take out its eyes."
"Leave that to me," Aria called.
She moved with practiced precision, climbing a gnarled tree and taking aim. Her arrow gleamed with moonlight as she released it.
The arrow struck true, piercing the beast's right eye. It howled in agony, thrashing wildly.
"Nice shot!" Kael shouted.
"You're welcome!" Aria called back.
The beast's remaining eye locked onto Kael, fury blazing. It lunged, jaws wide. Kael ducked under its massive frame and slashed upward. Sparks flew as his blade met its scales.
"Eldrin, now!" Kael roared.
Eldrin's voice boomed with ancient words. Chains of blue energy shot from his staff, wrapping around the beast's limbs. The creature struggled, but the magic held firm.
"Finish it!" Eldrin commanded.
Kael didn't hesitate. He leaped onto the beast's back, driving his sword into its neck. The blade sank deep, and dark ichor sprayed into the air.
The beast let out a final, shuddering roar before collapsing to the ground.
Panting, Kael pulled his sword free and stumbled back. The beast lay still, its body dissolving into shadows.
Eldrin lowered his staff, the chains fading. "Well done."
Kael wiped sweat from his brow. "That was... intense."
Aria dropped down from the tree, a grin on her face. "I'd say we make a good team."
Kael managed a tired smile. "Let's hope we can keep it up."
Eldrin's expression was grave. "This was only a sentinel. Drakmor's true power lies ahead."
Kael sheathed his sword, determination hardening his features. "Then we better be ready."
They stood together in the fading mist, knowing that their journey had only just begun.