NARRATOR

Rousse decided to get closer. The creature looked like it was in pain.

He pulled a dagger from his boot, thick enough to pass for a short sword.

He was going to give it a merciful end.

But the moment the animal heard the crunch of stones under his steps, it turned around, alert.

Gods, the front was even worse.

Its eyes were lidless, the snout torn as if chunks had been bitten off.

It bared its fangs, threatening and hostile.

“Easy… I just want to help, do you understand?”

Rousse spoke in his deep voice.

He knew damn well it wouldn’t understand—this was a wild beast.

Still, he was ready to take a few bites if needed… and that’s exactly what happened.

When he stepped in a bit more, the animal lunged and sank its teeth into the leather guard wrapped around his arm.

Rousse raised the dagger, ready to end it quickly and with mercy, but then his eyes locked with the creature’s.

Its pupils had turned completely white, like it had suddenly gone blind.

They stared at him for a second,