As Thalina, Eyrx, and Vanora's figures faded into the misty forest, the seemingly mindless beast left behind stirred.
No longer did he look dumb or slow.
A low rumble echoed across the clearing as shapes slinked out from the shadows — beasts of every size and form, their eyes gleaming under the muted alien light. Horns, scales, fur, feathers — eighteen in total, surrounding the spot where Thalina had just stood.
One of the newcomers, a lithe creature with spiral horns and molten gold eyes, tilted its head. Its voice broke the heavy silence, rough yet strangely amused.
"You let her go?"
No anger, no accusation — only curiosity.
The tamed beast sat back on its haunches, tail flicking once, slow and deliberate.
"Can't you feel it?" he said, his voice calm, almost reverent.
Another beast, a hulking thing with bark-like skin and blue moss trailing from its horns, gave a low grunt. Its deep voice rumbled like distant thunder.
"The prophecy is coming true."
