The moment the words left her lips, the space reacted.
The mist ahead stirred violently, drawing inward as though pulled by an invisible force. Within seconds, a shape began to form, its outline visible as it stepped through the veil.
A quadrupedal beast emerged.
It was lean, its body built for speed rather than brute force, with long limbs that ended in sharp, curved claws. Its skin appeared hardened, not quite scales yet far denser than flesh, reflecting a faint, dull sheen under the diffuse light. Muscles coiled beneath its frame, taut and ready.
Its head lowered slightly as it fixed its gaze on Lavayla.
Two pale eyes, cold and bloodthirsty.
Lavayla stood motionless. She traced the line of the creature's haunches, noting the way its weight sat back on its hocks, coiled for a spring. She couldn't overpower this—not directly.
