Zara’s heart pounded as the massive figure rose from the valley below. Its shape was unclear, a mix of shadows and shifting darkness, but its glowing eyes locked onto her. The pendant around her neck felt heavy, like it was pulling her toward the creature.
“Elias,” she whispered, clutching the pendant. “What is that?”
Elias didn’t answer right away. His sword was drawn, his face pale. Finally, he said, “That’s what they were warning us about. Something the Order couldn’t control.”
The creature’s voice rumbled like thunder. “You dare to bring the Nexus here? Do you know what you have done?”
Zara stepped back, her hands trembling. “I-I don’t even know what the Nexus is!”
The creature let out a deep, echoing laugh. “Then you are more foolish than I thought.”
A Sudden Attack
Without warning, the creature raised one of its massive arms. A wave of shadow surged toward them like a tidal wave.
“Run!” Elias shouted, grabbing Zara’s arm.
They barely dodged the attack as the shadows slammed into
