As Aurelia had suggested, they headed east and, indeed, came upon a cascading waterfall.
Following the waterfall's descent, everything seemed normal.
And they were on the brink of leaving the Hael Mountains when an unexpected turn of events erupted in the turbulent river.
A colossal water beast surfaced, its body spanning dozens of meters in length.
Its black skin shimmered with a silvery glow, creating an otherworldly spectacle.
Howard, sensing danger, quickly pulled Aurelia behind a massive boulder, cautiously peeking over to study the monster dominating the lake.
Its two enormous eyes radiated a menacing red glare, and its teeth, serrated and densely packed, sent shivers down one's spine.
The creature swayed its tail, causing its scales to clack together, the sound resonating through the air and vibrating the atmosphere around them.