(Darius)
A low rumble filled the air, making my skin crawl. I clenched my fists as I turned toward the sound. The trees in front of us swayed, and the ground trembled under my feet. Something was coming.
Silas took a slow step back, gripping the Moonshade root tightly. "Uh… Darius?"
"I see it," I muttered.
The trees parted, and something stepped into view.
It was massive, bigger than any beast I’d ever seen. Its body looked like it was made of stone and shadow, shifting as it moved. Thick limbs carried its huge frame forward, claws digging into the earth with every step. Its eyes glowed a dull silver, and on its forehead, a strange symbol moved like it was alive.
Dr. Harris sucked in a breath. "That symbol—"
The creature let out a deep growl that shook my bones.
"We don’t have time
