Night Crow

Sedona Zaborano gently brushed her finger against the book.

Braydon Neal, seemingly unaware, took the book from her.

He flipped it open and began reading intently.

Before long, he came across the giant bear he had killed earlier that day, detailed within the pages.

The book documented fifty types of magical beasts, including Braydon's night crow.

The night crow—one of the deadliest predators in the Dark Forest—thrived on meat and lived in groups.

"Do you have a way to contact your sister?" Braydon asked casually after finishing the book and returning it to Sedona.

"Yes, but it'll take her two days to get here."

"When my sister arrives, your mission will be complete."

Braydon nodded slowly, weariness etched on his face.

"I'm a bit tired. I'll rest for a while. Don't make any noise."

With that, he closed his eyes. Silence blanketed the sealed cave.