Zayden halted mid-step, hearing a faint growl in the distance.
"Did you hear that?" he whispered, fingers brushing over the arrows and bow strapped to the horse quickly.
Ren gave a curt nod, fingers curling around the sword fastened to the saddle. It was the one Zayden had given him after his first year of training—unique and lighter than any he had seen. The handle was carved with a deep red gem, glinting faintly in the sunlight.
"What is it?" Ren asked. He heard the growl, but couldn't tell whether it was an animal—or something far worse.
"A monster," Zayden replied, eyes darting as he scanned the shadows for the creature lurking nearby.
"But—"
Ren froze mid-step as another growl echoed through the forest.
Closer this time.
Too close.
"Strange… I can't see it," Zayden muttered, stepping in front of Ren, shielding him instinctively. "Is it still far?.."
"My Lord, I am fine—"
