His voice dropped to almost a whisper.
"I've been here three times before, Master. Twice to gather materials that Master Pho requested, once to install this portal. Every single time, I felt it watching me. Never saw it. Never heard it. But I knew it was there, tracking my movements, deciding whether I was worth killing or just worth ignoring."
Jack's red eyes studied the tree, his enhanced perception trying to pierce the distance and see what waited in those high branches.
But the lightning veins created interference, making it difficult to focus on specific details. It was like trying to see through a strobe light. It was possible, but disorienting.
"Stormfang," Jack repeated, testing the name. His tone was flat, showing no fear despite Kaedor's obvious distress.
"Pho mentioned it briefly. Fast, aggressive, commands lightning with natural talent, gets more powerful the longer a fight continues."
