The grin stretched wider.
The wild blew harder, carrying the overwhelming scent of rot and blood.
Nero didn't wait any longer to think. He turned and ran.
Boots hitting the muddy ground hard, each step sending up sprays of black earth, Nero ran with all his might. The Silver Blade slapped against his hip as he tore through the underbrush, branches whipping at his face and arms.
Behind him, the creature moved.
The sound of four legs striking the ground in rapid succession, like they deliberately sought the fear bubbling out of his soul. The hiss of poison gas leaking from the tumor on its shoulders. The wet, labored breathing through multiple mouths....
Nero pushed harder, his lungs burning as he sprinted back toward the outer edge of the forest. He gasped, groaned, cried and yelled as he pushed himself to the absolute limit.
If he could just reach the cave, perhaps—
No. That was not true.
Even if he reached the cave, there would be no saving him.
He trembled.
