Chapter 26: The Fragment of the Empire (2)
Apollonia heard a rustle and a crunch coming from between the trees.
“What was that?” she wondered, turning her head to investigate.
It was definitely something moving, not just the wind. Then, a huge wing flapped above her, and she shivered at the sight.
“Monsters don’t usually show up during the dry season.”
“Usually.”
In other words, it could show up.
Kreeee!
Before she could comprehend the situation, a loud, piercing cry filled the air, and the black creature dove straight at her.
Gasp!
She threw herself to the side, barely dodging it by an arm’s length. It didn’t leave, however, and perched itself on a tree branch close to her. Apollonia could now make out its features: it was pitch black and flew like a bird but had ribbed, sleek wings like that of a bat instead of a bird. Its wingspan seemed to be about as wide as a horse from front to back, and she could see dozens of sharp teeth and steel-like claws gripping the branch.
