The rare beasts trailed behind them, huge paws and hooves padding on the mossy earth, their bodies stiff with worry.
At the edge of the Eastern Veil Forest, they finally stopped, forming a half-circle around Thalina like a group of overprotective grandmothers sending off their only granddaughter to battle.
Their wide, shiny eyes glistened under the dappled sunlight, tails twitching nervously.
Ricky, noticing the stiff atmosphere, couldn't help it. He clicked his hoof against a stone and gave a low chuckle, his shiny fangs flashing.
"Don't forget," Ricky said, tossing his head dramatically. "She's the Mother of Universes! No matter what happens inside that spooky forest, she'll emerge without a scratch! That's fate. Nothing can harm her."
Thalina's lips twitched violently.
Mother of Universes? Again with that nonsense.
