Michael studied the two beasts carefully, his expression unchanged.
The smaller one moved smoothly, its body shifting like water. The fins along its spine moved constantly, and mist spread around it. Its scales darkened near the spine and lightened toward the underbelly. The mist it produced spread low across the ground.
Its eyes were pale, almost colorless.
The beast held itself alert. It watched everything, including him.
Then there was the second beast.
It was massive.
Twice the height of a grown man at the shoulder, with limbs as thick as tree trunks. Stone-like plates covered its body, each piece interlocking with the next. The plates were rough and weathered.
Its horns curved back from its skull, and its eyes were deep amber. They sat beneath a heavy brow.
Aeloria stood between them, calm, one hand resting at her side.
"These two will suffice," she said evenly.
Aeloria's gaze moved briefly to each beast in turn.
