Chapter 493: Judgment in the Shadows
The hiss cut through the forest like a blade, low at first, then rising into a keening shriek that seemed to come from all directions at once. Holly's cries—ragged, panicked, filled the cold night air—were barely distinguishable from the echoes of the Trihydra's voices.
Orion moved with calm precision, his eyes sharp, scanning the shadows between the trees as Brynhild adjusted her grip on her sword. The carriage waited, its black wheels half-buried in the fresh snow, the harnessed wolves growling low in their throats. Their fur bristled, backs arched as if they could sense the impossibility of what lurked just beyond the treeline.
Orion reached out and rubbed their heads with quiet authority. His touch was steady, soothing, and despite their readiness to lunge at anything that moved, the wolves settled slightly under his hands.
