Viana's mare stumbled over a thick root, sending her flying from the saddle. She landed hard on the damp ground, the impact jarring her bones.
Her dagger, still clutched in her hand, bit into the soil. The horse, bolted deeper into the trees, leaving her alone, vulnerable.
The beast was upon her in an instant. Its huge, dark shadow fell over her. Viana rolled just as its heavy paw slammed down where she had been. The ground shook.
She scrambled to her feet, her muscles screaming in protest. This was no ordinary fight, her small blade felt useless against such a monster, with corrupted power.
Her forest blessing surged with a frantic pounding. It warned her of pure malice, of something deeply wrong with this creature.
She saw a flicker of movement, a dark, thick vine-like growth twitching near the monster's left flank, partially hidden by its matted fur. It seemed connected to the very forest floor, drawing dark energy.
