The forest was silent — too silent, as if every other living being had gone into hiding.
No rustling leaves. No distant growls. Not even the faint chirping of insects.
Just silence.
Derek lay on the ground for a moment, breathing heavily, trying to steady his trembling body. His daggers were still in his hands, their blades stained with blood and faintly shaking from exhaustion. He could barely feel his fingers.
But that presence…
It pressed against his skin like a cold hand, forcing the hairs on his body to stand straight. His heart skipped a beat.
He pushed himself up instantly.
His knees wobbled, his dress throbbed, but he stood anyway, raising his daggers and taking a fighting stance. Sweat dripped from his forehead. His senses screamed danger, far worse than anything he had fought before.
And then...
The ground trembled.
Not the light vibrations of footsteps.
