Damien stared up at the towering guardian beast, its massive, bone-armored body still radiating waves of intimidating necrotic energy.
Its form resembled a monstrous fusion of a dragon and a hound, with four thunderous legs, a long skeletal tail tipped with jagged blades, and two massive wings made not of flesh but of shadow-woven bone, flickering faintly with remnants of soulfire.
Crimson eyes flared brightly, looking down upon him with an air of immense pride and a wary suspicion.
Damien cleared his throat softly, projecting a calm confidence. "So, you're mine now?"
The beast snorted, dark smoke curling out of its massive, fanged jaws. Its voice echoed dramatically around the empty temple, deep and resonant. "Yours? Ha! Do you truly think a being as mighty as myself can be owned so easily? I merely acknowledge you as my caretaker… temporarily!"
Damien raised an eyebrow. "Caretaker?"
