Chapter 103. The Beast’s Challenge

Anastasia POV

Emerging from the darkness like a nightmare materialized, an enormous beast suddenly appears, blocking the entrance to the cave with its imposing and terrifying presence. Its body is massive, covered in a thick, dark fur that gleams in the faint light filtering through the tree canopy. Its eyes are two glowing orbs of intense red, staring at us with a malicious intelligence and a hungry gleam that makes my blood run cold.

The creature lets out a deep, menacing growl, a sound that reverberates through the forest floor and seems to penetrate to the bone. Its sharp teeth glisten as it opens its mouth in a silent challenge, and I can smell the pungent odor of its hot, bestial breath, a mix of raw meat and death. The sound reverberates in the air, filling the environment with a vibration of raw, predatory power. Its eyes, glowing like live embers, seem to pierce the soul, full of primitive and malicious intelligence.

Beside me, I feel Rowan and Ethan move