The fire beast

The ground trembled beneath Astrid's feet. A guttural growl echoed through the ruins, sending a chill down her spine. Her grip tightened on her swords as a massive shadow loomed ahead.

From the darkness, a creature unlike any she had ever seen stepped forward—a beast of legend.

Its body was covered in shimmering black scales, each one reflecting the moonlight like polished obsidian. A Drakon—a wingless dragon, feared for its brute strength and deadly fire. Its eyes glowed a menacing gold as it locked onto Astrid.

She exhaled slowly. "So… the night isn't over yet."

The Drakon lowered its head, its breath hot and thick with smoke. It was testing her.

Then, a voice—low, deep, and ancient—echoed in her mind.

"You smell… different. Not like the others who came before. They ran. You stand."

Astrid's brows furrowed. "You can speak?"

The Drakon let out a short, rumbling chuckle. "Not with words. With thought. I have watched many warriors enter this land, thinking they could slay me. They all failed."

Astrid tilted her head. "I'm not here to slay you."

The beast huffed, embers sparking from its nostrils. "Then why do you wield your blades?"

Astrid smirked. "Habit."

The Drakon's tail swept against the ground, kicking up dust. "You amuse me, human. But if you are not here to fight, then you should leave."

She didn't move. "Not yet."

The Drakon's golden eyes narrowed. "You are bold. But do not mistake boldness for strength."

Astrid took a slow step forward, lowering her swords. "And you shouldn't mistake power for control."

For a moment, silence hung between them. Then, the Drakon lunged.

Astrid barely had time to react. She dove to the side as massive claws tore through the stone where she had just stood. Dust filled the air as she rolled to her feet, gripping her swords tightly.

"So much for talking," she muttered.

"I must know if you are worthy," the Drakon growled.

Astrid smirked. "Then let's find out."

The battle had begun.