The beast snarled, blood dripping from its claws, its glowing eyes now locked onto the hooded figures. A moment of eerie silence passed—then the figures surged forward, weapons drawn and magic crackling around them. The hall shook as spells and roars collided.
Despite the beast's newfound power, the coordinated attacks of the figures managed to injure it—deep gashes tore through its hide, spewing dark, glowing blood that hissed against the floor.
Seeing it overwhelmed, one of the hooded figures raised a sigil, and with a flash of light and arcane symbols, the beast was restrained.
A second later, they vanished with the creature, disappearing into swirling shadows, leaving behind stunned silence and destruction.
Kai's eyes narrowed. He cautiously approached the spot where the beast's blood had spilled—thick, blackish-red, with the same eerie shimmer as the essence.
Something about it pulsed faintly, like it was alive.
That wasn't just blood.