A screech split the air, loud and grating like iron on stone.
Without thinking, both boys dove in opposite directions just as a massive shape tore through the space where their heads had been.
The wind from its wings slammed into the ground behind them as the creature soared upward, its rust-red feathers gleaming like blood in the scattered sunlight. It circled, then began to turn again.
"What the hell is that?!" Theo shouted, stumbling to his feet.
The leaves on the tree they'd used for cover crumbled to ash. Branches withered. The bark cracked and peeled.
Liam's eyes widened. "It's not normal!"
Theo cursed, his voice cracking. "It's an AoE monster! Area of effect! We can't get close!"
The rust-feathered bird shrieked again and tucked its wings, diving toward Theo.
Liam hurled an enchanted arrow. It flared bright, hissing through the air. The bird twisted in mid-air, narrowly avoiding it, the arrow sinking into a tree trunk with a thunk.
