The two behemoths stopped, their massive bodies blocking the others. Their eyes locked on Lumberling's, filled with fury but also hesitation. The kind predators showed when they sensed prey might bite back harder than expected.
Their muscles bunched, claws scraped the earth… yet they didn't move forward. Both let out thunderous roars that shook the night air, but their paws stayed rooted.
Lumberling's lips curved into a grim smile. "Not brave enough, are you?"
He gave them one last look, then turned his back on them, retreating toward the second base, alive, and already plotting how to deal with them next time.
Grokk froze the moment Lumberling stepped from the treeline. For the briefest breath, doubt clouded his eyes, fear that the one who returned might not be the same as the one who had led them in. His hand twitched toward his weapon, then stilled.
