The shadow ahead shifted, resolving into a massive form perched on a rocky outcrop. Its wings folded tightly against its body, but even at rest, the creature was enormous, its presence dominating the narrow trail.
The Dawnhound's growl rumbled low and steady, its glowing eyes locked on the figure. The Phaseling darted closer to me, its glow brightening as if readying itself. My fingers tightened around the hilt of my blade, sweat beading on my brow despite the cool air.
The creature unfolded its wings with a snap, revealing a terrifying yet oddly elegant silhouette. Its scales shimmered in hues of green and gold, each movement catching the light like rippling water. Sharp, curved talons clicked against the stone as it shifted its weight, its elongated head turning toward us. Its eyes burned with an unsettling intelligence, and it let out a low, resonant screech that seemed to vibrate in my chest.
"Gallvine," I breathed, the word coming unbidden. Stories of such creatures had always been half-believed whispers in the villages—winged beasts said to roam the wilds, powerful and untamed. I had never imagined I'd see one, let alone face one.
The Gallvine's screech ended abruptly, and it crouched, muscles bunching. I barely had time to shout before it launched itself toward us, the wind from its wings whipping dust and loose rocks into the air.
The Dawnhound was faster than I expected, leaping to meet the creature with a ferocity I hadn't seen before. Its jaws snapped, glowing teeth aiming for the Gallvine's throat. The clash was deafening, the sound of claws on scales and snarls echoing through the rocks.
I didn't hesitate. Blade in hand, I lunged forward, aiming for the softer underbelly of the beast. The Gallvine's tail lashed out, catching me in the side and sending me sprawling. Pain shot through my ribs, but I scrambled to my feet, ignoring the sharp ache. The Phaseling flared brightly, darting around the Gallvine's head in quick, distracting patterns. The creature snapped at it, but its jaws closed on empty air.
"Keep it busy!" I shouted though I wasn't sure if either companion understood. The Dawnhound was relentless, its glowing form a blur of motion as it dodged and struck, its teeth finding purchase on the Gallvine's wing. The beast roared in fury, whipping its head around to dislodge the hound. It succeeded, flinging the Dawnhound to the ground with a sickening thud.
I felt a surge of panic but didn't have time to check on the hound. The Gallvine's attention shifted to me, its eyes narrowing as it took a step forward, talons scraping against stone. I tightened my grip on the blade and forced myself to stand firm.
"Come on, then," I muttered, my voice low and steady despite the fear twisting in my gut.
The Gallvine lunged, its beak snapping inches from my face as I dove to the side. I swung the blade, the edge glancing off its scales with a metallic ring. It hissed, wings spreading wide as it prepared for another attack. Before it could move, the Phaseling streaked forward, its form glowing like a star as it collided with the creature's head. The impact sent the Gallvine staggering back, shaking its head as if to clear it.
I saw my chance. With a shout, I rushed forward, aiming for the base of its neck. The blade struck true this time, sliding between two scales. The Gallvine let out a deafening roar, its wings flaring as it tried to dislodge the blade. I held on, using my weight to drive it deeper.
The Dawnhound recovered, leaping back into the fray. It clamped its jaws onto the creature's tail, anchoring it in place. The Phaseling circled around, its glow pulsing rhythmically. The Gallvine's movements slowed, its roars turning to low, guttural growls.
Then, it stopped.
The beast's wings drooped, its body sinking to the ground with a shudder. My blade was still lodged in its neck, but I hesitated, my breathing ragged. The Gallvine's eyes, once fierce and burning, now looked... tired. It made a low, rumbling sound, almost a whimper, and I felt an odd pang of sympathy.
The guiding stone throbbed in my chest, its pulse matching the Gallvine's labored breaths. Slowly, I stepped back, pulling the blade free. The creature didn't move, its head resting against the ground. The Dawnhound released its tail and stood beside me, its glowing eyes wary but calm. The Phaseling hovered closer, its light softening as it approached the fallen creature.
"What now?" I muttered, wiping sweat from my brow. The guiding stone pulsed again, insistent. I touched my chest and a warm glow started to cast over the Gallvine. The creature's eyes followed the movement, its gaze fixed on me.
Without thinking, I walk toward it. The Gallvine shifted, its massive head lowering until its beak almost touched my chest. For a moment, everything was still.
Then, I feel a pulse of energy leaving my body, its light enveloping the Gallvine. I stumbled back, shielding my eyes as the creature let out a low, resonant cry. When the light faded, the Gallvine's posture had changed. It stood taller, its wings folding neatly against its body. Its gaze was steady, almost... respectful.
The bond was tangible. I could feel it in my chest, a thread connecting us. The guiding stone's pulsing had stopped, replaced by a calm, steady warmth. The Gallvine stepped closer, lowering its head in what could only be described as a gesture of submission. Tentatively, I reached out, my hand brushing against its scaled hide. It was warm, the texture rough but oddly comforting.
"Well," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Looks like you're with us now."
The Dawnhound let out a soft chuff, and the Phaseling's glow brightened, as if in agreement. The Gallvine rumbled softly, its wings shifting as it settled beside us. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, the tension draining from my shoulders.
Whatever lay ahead, we would face it together. Man, beast, and something in between. And now, with the Gallvine by our side, the odds felt just a little more in our favor.