Once again, Charisse said nothing, her gaze falling quietly to the space between them as though measuring the distance... waiting for him to make even the slightest contact with her.
Her guards, standing with their backs to her, didn't notice this. Their fury was stoked by the Beastman's brashness and others came over with weapons drawn.
In response, the Beastman's grin widened, his muscles swelling as his body cracked and shifted into a half-wolf form, baring sharp fangs and flashing eyes that gleamed with unrestrained savagery.
All around, people froze, some leaning forward with tense anticipation, while others stepped closer to stop the Beastman.
But then, before a single move could be made, an oppressive energy blanketed the scene.
"?!"
"Wh–"
"What is...?"
"!...!"
Every heart seemed to stop, breath hitching in collective disbelief as the suffocating weight pressed down on everyone.