The forest parted into a wide clearing, as Jayden walked into it, sunlight spilling onto an open stretch where the trees broke away to reveal a shimmering lake. Its waters rippled with the afternoon breeze, calm and unassuming, but the scene at its bank was anything but peaceful.
Jayden slowed his stride, his sharp eyes narrowing on the tableau before him.
Six Howlers… wolf-like beasts with jet-black fur and glowing eyes circled a group of four Tremor Gators. The wolves prowled in low arcs, their snarls echoing across the clearing, lips curled back to reveal dripping fangs. Their claws dug shallow furrows in the dirt, their hackles raised in agitation.
