und ancient stone, the remnants of a forgotten kingdom. The scent of charred wood and dust lingered in the air. She did not

seemed more human than monster. He noticed the deep gash along her flank, the way she curled prote

you," Aldric said at l

r and flesh, searching for something in his eyes. Tr

ce. Here, before him, was something far greater than a beast to slay-something tragic, something sacred.