"I'm Elric, a mage..." the elder introduced himself, though his voice carried hesitation. He glanced around, confusion flickering in his eyes—he, too, seemed unsure of why he was there. There was only one explanation forming in his mind, and his gaze shifted back to Addison, though he couldn't yet confirm it.
Suddenly, another blood-curdling roar echoed from deep within the forest—closer this time. It was followed by several agonized screams, and the wind carried with it the stench of fresh blood.
The two men standing in front of Elric wrinkled their noses in disgust. Even the man holding Addison frowned as he turned to look behind them.
They all knew they couldn't linger much longer. Alpha Zion was drawing near, and with each passing second, the pressure and bloodlust radiating from him grew heavier and more suffocating.
Then the elder spoke, his voice firm yet urgent. "Here! This way, quickly!"
