The worm-like vine didn't stay still.
It writhed harder the moment Elle spoke—twitching violently in the spilled brain matter like a nerve being pinched. It thrashed, coiled inwards, then flung itself out again in sharp, erratic movements.
Like it understood. Like it heard her.
Elle didn't blink.
Her twisted smile lingered, carved into her face like it belonged there.
She tilted her head slightly as the worm flailed, fascinated more than disturbed. Her fingers—still lightly twitching from the skull-rending—relaxed just a little.
But the moment didn't last.
**RAGHHHH!!**
The growls returned, closer now. Elle's amber eyes flicked left just as one of the creatures lunged from behind. Its massive claw came down—sharp and fast, aimed for the back of her neck.
She didn't flinch.
Her body shimmered—**whoosh**—vanishing just as the creature's claws carved through air, slicing only an echo that disintegrated like mist on contact.
**SSKRRRRK!**
