The beast collapsed in smoking ruin, its charred hide twitching once before falling still. The acrid smell of burnt fur clung thick to the clearing.
Jae let the fire along his arm gutter out, his gaze already sweeping the treeline. His voice was steady, even, though his posture stayed sharp. "Good start. Stay sharp. More will come."
The others drew in a breath, regrouping quickly. Elise rubbed her palms against her robes, trying to still their tremor. Tirel's lips curved into a slow smile, pleased with the effectiveness of her strike. Byun only melted further into the shade of the trees, as though already preparing for the next wave.
And more did come.
The forest soon rang with snarls and snapping branches. From between the trees padded another set of wolves, their eyes burning faintly with mana. Behind them, tusked boars lumbered forward, their muscles rippling under bristling coats.
