A caw like grating scales echoed through the forest. Pines swayed like mere sticks about to be ripped off at their bases, while the ground rumbled under the basilisk's predatory charge.
Yann hoisted Adam over his shoulder before he could summon his demonic cleaver, the effort tearing out a guttural growl from his lips. The teenager's unnatural weight, however, barely distracted him as fur erupted from his skin and his legs swelled with bestial power.
As his muscles strengthened, the weight faded, and his voice rang out in a desperate whisper. "The enforcers, the council—even the rector—will feel your blade. Run! That's all we can do, lad."
He continued, the words searing through his breath like molten pieces. "It's an ancient magus-level creature that feeds on demons and ghosts—the Ashenveil Grove's guardian!"
