The howling of the wind turned shrill as the next wave descended upon them...this time, not the weak or mindless kind, but predators of real menace. From the ridges above, beasts with thicker hides and sharper auras emerged, their eyes glowing brighter in the silver hue of control. The very ground trembled as massive paws and claws pressed into the frozen earth. These were not mere Initiate or Adept-ranked creatures. The aura they exuded was heavier… sharper… unmistakably belonging to the Expert and Master ranks.
Lira's eyes widened slightly as she sensed the shift. "They're stronger," she muttered, drawing in another breath of cold air, her arms trembling from the strain of constant battle. "Much stronger."
Selene wiped the frost from her lips, her voice steady despite the exhaustion in her tone. "It's fine. We just need to adjust..."
