"Why don't we all cooperate so we can get over with this task? It's a shame you orcs need our help to deal with these beasts," the mage said, his voice soaked with mockery.
The words stung more than they should have.
Aria shot him a glare, her hand tightening around her sword hilt. She wanted to reply, to tell him where exactly he could shove his arrogance, but the ground trembled before she could open her mouth.
The beast was charging again.
A hulking monster with jagged horns and a hide as dark as molten rock barreled toward them, crushing debris under its claws. Its bellow shook the air.
Aria clenched her jaw. "Forget it," she muttered. "We'll deal with them after this."
She dashed forward, boots pounding the earth. The air rippled as the beast lunged, its claws sweeping down. Aria met it head-on, twisting at the last second and slashing across its forearm. Flesh tore, blood sprayed.
