Suddenly—BOOM!!
An explosion ripped through the quiet woods.
The carriage that held Princess Ellyna was violently flung into the air, crashing down with a thunderous CRACK, now lying upside down in a heap of splintered wood and torn curtains.
The ground trembled. Smoke billowed.
The elite shadows that had been escorting the tiger beastfolk were nowhere to be seen—blown away by the force of the blast.
Only two remained:
—The tiger beastfolk, now on one knee, blood trickling from his temple, his ears ringing.
—And Princess Ellyna, still bound inside the wrecked carriage, protected by the relics that had shackled her.
"Ugh… what happened?" the tiger growled, trying to stand.
He looked around—nothing but smoke and silence.
No sound. No wind. No birds.
Then a heavy pressure settled in the air.
A chill ran down his spine.
Footsteps.
Slow. Measured.
From the shadows of the treeline… a figure appeared, cloaked.
The tiger beastfolk's ears perked. His instincts screamed.
