For a heartbeat, everything was still.
The second Behemoth—darker, larger, and radiating fury—loomed before them. The moonlight glinted against its scars, each mark glowing faintly like molten veins. The air itself seemed to hold its breath.
Darenn raised a hand, signaling for everyone to fall back into formation. "Stay sharp. This one's not like the others."
Leonel stepped forward, eyes narrowing. "It's heavier. Its steps are cracking the ground."
Zann clenched his fists, fire flickering around them. "Then we hit harder."
"No." Darenn's tone cut through the rising tension. "We move smarter."
Kalista nodded, drawing her daggers, the metal gleaming coldly under the moonlight. "Auron, Aerin—take the skies. Draw its attention. Beau, flank it with Zann and Aleck. Leonel, watch the water around the ridge, we might need it."
Beau whistled low. "Bossy looks good on you."
"Shut up and move."
The Behemoth's roar shattered what calm remained.
