03/12- Game on!

Kael barely had time to process Aeliana's words before a guttural snarl echoed through the dungeon. The sound reverberated off the cold stone walls, a deep, throaty growl that sent an instant jolt of tension through the group. Shadows twisted unnaturally in the dim torchlight as something moved just beyond their line of sight, its hulking form barely distinguishable against the dark.

"Positions. Now," Kael ordered sharply, unsheathing his battered sword in one fluid motion. He knew their weapons were compromised, but they couldn't afford hesitation.

Aeliana cursed under her breath, pivoting swiftly into a defensive stance. Her grip on the hilt of her failing blade tightened, her muscles coiled, ready. "Garrik, do you see—"

"Yeah, yeah, I see it," Garrik interrupted, swinging his axe into a ready position. His usual smirk was gone, replaced by a sharp focus as he tracked the creature's movement. "And it's big. Too big."