The day passed, but the feeling of being watched didn't fade.
As Aiden explored, he noticed faint tracks in the mud—large, clawed footprints that were too big for any ordinary beast.
The Shadow Wolf growled low in the back of his throat.
Aiden realized something was following him.
He could feel the tension rising in the air.
The phoenix flapped its wings, sending sparks of golden light into the air as a warning.
Suddenly, from behind a thick tree trunk, a massive creature lunged—a hulking bear-like monster with jagged teeth and crimson eyes.
Aiden froze. The Shadow Wolf growled, ready to defend him.
Question for the Reader:
If you were Aiden, how would you face a sudden, massive predator in the forest? Would you fight, flee, or observe carefully to find a weakness?