The Beast Unleashed
The King’s arrival sent a wave of dread through the clearing. His towering figure radiated authority, his every step measured and deliberate. The knights regrouped behind him, their fear momentarily tempered by his commanding presence.
Eryon’s wolf snarled, his massive form crouched low as he prepared to strike. His glowing amber eyes locked onto the King, a deep growl rumbling in his chest.
Seraphine stepped forward, her silver eyes narrowing. “You’re too late,” she said, her voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air.
The King’s gaze flicked to her, his lips curling into a cold smile. “Am I?” he asked, his voice like a blade. “You think this… spectacle will change anything?”
Eryon lunged, his claws aimed for the King. But the King moved with unnatural speed, sidestepping the attack and slashing his blade across Eryon’s flank. The wolf let out a pained roar, stumbling slightly before regaining his footing.
“Eryon!” Lyra screamed, her grip on the artifact tightening as its energy surged through her.
The King’s focus shifted to Lyra, his eyes narrowing. “So, you’re the one holding the key,” he said, his voice dripping with menace. “Let’s see if you’re worthy of it.”
Seraphine unleashed a blast of magic, her silver light colliding with the King’s blade in a shower of sparks. “Stay back,” she commanded, her voice sharp.
Misery darted into the fray, her blade aimed at the knights who tried to flank the twins. Her movements were precise and deadly, her crimson eyes flicking to Eryon’s wolf with a mix of awe and concern.
Eryon charged again, his wolf driven by raw instinct. He tore through the knights who dared to approach, his ferocity unmatched. Blood splattered across the clearing as his claws and fangs found their marks.
The artifact’s glow intensified, its whispers turning into a deafening roar. Lyra fell to her knees, the power overwhelming her as the crystal pulsed in her hands. “I can’t hold it!” she cried, her voice cracking.
Seraphine turned, her expression fierce. “You must! We’re almost there!”
The King’s blade clashed with Seraphine’s magic, the two forces colliding with a force that shook the ground. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Seraphine,” he said, his voice cold. “And it will cost you everything.”
Eryon roared again, his wolf’s power surging as he lunged at the King. This time, the King met him head-on, their clash sending shockwaves through the clearing.
The artifact’s light erupted, bathing the battlefield in an intense red glow. Lyra screamed as the energy surged through her, her silver eyes blazing as the whispers reached a crescendo.
The clearing seemed to freeze for a moment, the tension thick enough to cut with a blade.
