Final Claw

As the beast's body merged into the shadows, it moved backward with quiet, calculated steps, keeping its golden-red eyes locked on Auren from a safe distance. Even cloaked by the night, it didn't let its guard down. Its predator's instinct demanded that it never fully lose sight of its prey.

Auren, however, had already disappeared from its line of vision.

He had leapt into the trees, vanishing into the forest's dense foliage like a ghost, taking cover among thick branches. The move caught the beast off-guard—it had expected the human to stand his ground or perhaps retreat on foot. Instead, Auren chose a higher path—one the Night Stalker hadn't anticipated.

Realizing this, the creature backed off even farther, slinking behind dense brush to hide its presence and await reinforcement. It didn't like surprises. And Auren had proven himself far too clever for a simple hunt.