Chapter 8: Whisper of the Hunt
The wind howled across the jagged cliffs of Zhenxia, carrying with it the scent of smoke and iron. Shadows stretched long as the sun dipped behind the mountains, and the air shimmered with tension. Liara's hand brushed against the hilt of her sword, the metal cool against her palm, as she watched the horizon. Somewhere in the darkness, the first of the Ten Rings stirred.
She remembered the words of Master Ren: "Power like that does not sleep. It waits, it tests, and it chooses." Her breath caught as a ripple of energy tore through the ground, a pulse that made the stones beneath her feet vibrate. From the mist emerged a figure, cloaked in shifting darkness, and the emblem of a ring glowed faintly on their wrist.
Liara took a cautious step forward. "Who's there?" Her voice was steady, but every nerve screamed in anticipation. The figure paused, tilting its head as if considering her presence. Then, with a motion as swift as lightning, it vanished, leaving behind a whisper that lingered like frost: "The hunt begins."
The forest behind her rustled. She wasn't alone. A low growl echoed from the shadows, and Liara spun, sword raised, just in time to catch a glimpse of golden eyes glinting between the trees. Heart pounding, she realized that the Ten Rings were not only awakening—they were hunting, and she was in their path.