The growl echoes again, closer this time — low and guttural, vibrating in my chest. The forest feels like it's watching me, waiting for my decision. My heart races, but my mind stays sharp.
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Option 1: Stay and Defend the Man
The man might be the key to understanding what happened to the envoy. He's wounded, terrified — but alive. If I stay, I can protect him and learn what he knows.
Potential Outcome: I gain crucial information that could lead me to the envoy or uncover the larger conspiracy.
Risk: I'll have to face whatever creature lurks in the shadows, and protecting an injured man could make the fight even harder.
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Option 2: Flee with the Man
If I escape with him now, I can get him to safety and gather information later. The mission is important, but surviving is more so.
Potential Outcome: We escape, and I secure a witness who may hold the truth.
Risk: Abandoning the scene means losing whatever evidence or clues remain — and the creature might pursue us anyway.
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Option 3: Prepare for Battle
I am a Blackthorn. The king entrusted me with this mission. If a monster stands in my way, I'll cut it down.
Potential Outcome: Defeating the creature might reveal more about what's happening in Blackwood Forest. It could be connected to the envoy's disappearance.
Risk: If the creature is more than I can handle, both the man and I might not survive the encounter.
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My Decision
I decide to stay and defend the man. He's the only living lead I've found — I can't leave him behind. If I run, I might never learn the truth. My sword slides free with a steely whisper as I rise to face whatever comes.
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The Encounter
The trees part, and from the shadows steps a massive, wolf-like beast — but it's no ordinary wolf. Its fur is matted with black ichor, its eyes glow a sickly yellow, and jagged bone protrudes from its back like broken blades. This isn't a natural creature. It's corrupted — twisted by some foul magic.
The man behind me whimpers. "It's one of them. They took the envoy…"
My mind races. One of them? How many more are out there?
The beast snarls and lunges.
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The Fight
Do I try to outmaneuver the beast, leading it away from the man and striking when it's vulnerable?
Or do I stand my ground, betting on strength and skill to take it head-on?
The choice is mine — and the forest holds its breath once more.