Chapter 26: A New Face
Deep within the heart of the Witherwood, Inner Forest of Verdant Veil where sunlight barely pierced the ancient canopy, chaos reigned.
A burst of crimson fire erupted from the trees.
FWOOOM!
The explosion threw branches skyward in splinters. A monstrous reptilian screeched—until it was engulfed whole.
From the left, shadows slithered like ink spilled across moonlight.
SHRRRRTCH—
Lances of darkness burst from the underbrush, impaling three beasts mid-charge. Their howls died in choked silence.
"Cellione!"
Serineth called, emerging from the misty black. Her green hair was wild, leaves tangled in it, and her blue eyes burned with excitement.
"That last one was mine!"
Cellione flipped her hair back, embers trailing behind her like a comet's tail.