The first beast lunged—a hulking, shadow-furred wolf, jaws wide enough to snap a man in two.
Reynar ducked low, blade flashing in a practiced arc. He struck the creature's underside, but its hide was tougher than expected. Sparks flew as the edge scraped against bone. The beast snarled and struck him across the shoulder, sending him skidding back.
"Reynar!" Liora shouted, fire already forming in her hands.
He gritted his teeth and forced himself up. "I'm fine!"
No time to think.
Three more beasts surged in from the left. Liora spun in place, her cloak flaring behind her. "Ignis Chain!"
A whip of flame erupted from her palm, arcing through the air and slashing through the closest hound. It yelped, exploded into dark mist, and vanished. But the next two didn't even pause—they leapt together.
A blur of silver cut through the space between them—Reynar, swinging with precision.
He caught one in the chest, then spun into a kick that threw the second beast off-course. He was breathing heavily now, muscles burning from exertion, but adrenaline kept him moving.
"There's too many!" he called.
"They're pushing us back toward the cave," Liora muttered. "It's a trap."
A deep growl echoed from within the cavern. The earth vibrated beneath their feet.
From the shadows, it emerged.
The stray dog—or what was once the dog. Now it stood twice as tall, its frame bulging with corruption. Its eyes were no longer playful or intelligent—they were black voids, pulsing with malice. A low, rumbling growl echoed from its throat.
"That's the leader," Liora said quietly, her tone sharp.
Reynar's fingers tightened around his sword. "That thing cursed you?"
Liora gave a slow nod. "It's no mere beast. It's been enhanced. That level of dark magic—someone tampered with it."
"Someone…?" Reynar asked.
"No time," Liora growled, raising her staff. "We kill it, or we die."
The beast-commander howled—and the remaining hounds surged as one.
The battle turned desperate.
Liora fought like a storm incarnate—fire and fury in equal measure, blasting through the beasts with practiced skill. But even her mana had limits. Her spells began to weaken, fire dimming with each incantation.
Reynar moved in tandem, intercepting attacks, shielding her with his body when necessary. His sword arm was slick with blood, both his and theirs. He was panting now, vision blurred from a clawed gash on his temple.
And still they kept coming.
A swipe caught Liora across the ribs. She stumbled, blood soaking through her tunic. Another beast pounced.
Reynar threw himself between them, deflecting the strike—but the momentum knocked him off his feet. The commander-beast saw its chance.
It charged.
Reynar couldn't move in time.
And then—
A flash of silver.
A blur dashed in from the trees.
In the space of a breath, the commander reeled back, a deep slash across its muzzle. The wind howled as another strike landed—quick, efficient, almost surgical.
Sylvie stood before them, back slightly hunched, twin daggers gleaming in her hands. Her face was partially obscured by a hood, her long silver hair flowing freely behind her.
She didn't speak.
She didn't need to.
With one hand, she motioned for Reynar and Liora to stay down. Then she vanished again—into the swarm of beasts like a shadow given form.
Reynar watched, wide-eyed, as she danced through the enemies. Every movement was precise. Every strike lethal. She moved with terrifying grace, severing tendons, slitting throats, darting between them like a ghost.
Even the commander-beast hesitated.
"Who…?" Liora muttered.
Reynar shook his head slowly. "I don't know. But she saved us before. Back at the forest."
Liora clutched her side, grimacing. "She's not normal. That's not a normal human."
Reynar narrowed his eyes. "You think she's a beastkin?"
Liora didn't answer, but her silence said enough.
The remaining beasts began to flee—some limping, others vanishing into the trees. The commander, wounded and snarling, glared at Sylvie as if memorizing her scent. Then, with a final hiss, it disappeared into the cave behind it.
Sylvie didn't follow.
She stood still for a moment, then turned to look at Reynar and Liora. Her eyes—violet and distant—met Reynar's for the briefest moment. Then she was gone, disappearing into the forest shadows without a word.
Silence settled again.
Only the distant whimpers of children remained.
Reynar exhaled. "We need to move. They're still in there."
Liora groaned but nodded, pushing herself up. "Let's end this."
They limped toward the cave entrance—battered, bleeding, but alive. Together.
And somewhere deep in the trees, Sylvie watched them go.