A griffon.
It grew larger with every passing second, until it dominated the space above him. Its wings spread wide, nearly touching the limits of the shield. Its talons formed slowly, each one crackling with thunder, as if they could tear through the stone with ease. Its form wasn't fully solid but it was more than enough to feel real.
The presence alone was overwhelming.
Black storm clouds gathered instantly above it, rolling in from nowhere as if summoned by its presence. The light in the enclosed space dimmed rapidly, turning the entire arena into a battlefield shrouded in ominous twilight.
shriekkk
A low, rumbling growl echoed from the griffon's throat, vibrating through every soldier's chest along the far wall.
"Young lord," Aldric said, his voice steady and respectful even now. "I hope you are ready for this."
The griffon beat its wings once.
