The wolf let out a broken whimper. With a burst of desperate strength, Orion's massive paw lashed out, slamming Garron aside. The man flew through the air and crashed hard against the dirt —but to Megan's horror, his grip on the sword never faltered.
Instead, Garron twisted with the momentum, his body arching as he drove the cursed blade even deeper into Orion's chest.
A wet, horrifying sound. Orion staggered.
A strangled howl tore from his throat, one so raw it sent birds scattering from the trees above. The earth beneath his paws trembled as he faltered, thick blood gushing from his chest, soaking the forest floor in deep crimson.
"ORION!!" Megan's scream cracked like lightning through the clearing.
And then — stillness. Even the wind held its breath.
The battlefield froze. Every armed man stared at the crumpling black beast with wide, shaken eyes. Their weapons lowered, some slipping from trembling hands.
