Auren couldn't quite pinpoint what spooked the creature. Its low growl twisted in the air—half taunt, half warning—giving off an impression of subtle intelligence.
Yet after watching it longer, he concluded it was more instinct than intellect. No real intelligence, just a pattern.
And that was why Auren spotted that pattern so quickly.
He folded his arms as Meredith and Jasper skidded back, their boots scraping against the ground as they steadied themselves.
Meredith spun her spear and slashed downward, her eyes blazing with cold violet fire.
She flicked a quick glance at Auren, who waved casually and smiled.
"Hi."
A dark grimace clouded her face instantly, but she held her tongue. With another swift twirl of her spear, she lunged toward the creature. Five limbs whipped through the air to block her path.
Jasper suddenly emerged from behind her, weaving his saber with careful precision, his blue eyes glowing with fierce concentration as he fought to maintain his course.
