Chapter 44

The air was heavy with the scent of dampness and decay, and the only sound that filled the space was the eerie echoes of Jason's footsteps. As he made his way deeper into the chamber, he caught a glimpse of movement above him.

Looking up, Jason's eyes widened as he beheld the monstrous creature soaring through the air. It is an enormous bird, easily the size of a small house, with jet-black feathers that glisten in the dim light. Its wings stretch wide, spanning an intimidating distance, and beat powerfully to keep it airborne.

The creature's head, however, is what sends shivers down his spine. Instead of a beak, it possesses the grotesque head of a human, completely human, instead of human-like, complete with a pair of piercing, glowing eyes. The face is contorted with a permanent expression of malevolence, its skin pale and stretched taut over the bones. Strands of wild, matted hair cascade down its monstrous visage, adding to the eerie and unnerving sight.