Chapter 25: The Forest's Predators

The forest loomed before them, shrouded in eerie silence. Rina led the group with steady determination, though the faint limp in her step betrayed her injury. Behind her, Serathis kept her weapon ready, her sharp eyes scanning every shadow. Li Wei followed nervously, his steps hesitant.

"They're just wolves," Li Wei muttered, trying to convince himself. "Wild animals… nothing more."

Rina snorted, her voice low. "Wild animals are smarter than you think. If they're desperate or threatened, they'll attack."

"But why would they come so close to the village?" Diana asked, her tone sharper than usual. "They know better."

The group pressed on, their unease growing with every step. When they reached the ancient ruins, Rina knelt to inspect the ground. Her fingers brushed against paw prints embedded in the soft earth, their deep impressions a testament to the size and weight of the wolves.

"Fresh tracks," she murmured.

Serathis frowned, glancing at the surrounding trees. "They shouldn't be here. Not if the female beasts have been hunting in these parts."

Li Wei froze. "The beasts… eat wolves?"

Rina stood, brushing dirt from her hands. "They don't just eat them. They hunt them for sport, devour them whole. Any wolf with sense would steer clear of their territory."

"Then why are they here?" Diana muttered.

As if in answer, a mournful howl echoed through the forest, chilling them to the bone.

A pair of glowing eyes appeared in the shadows, followed by another. The wolves emerged cautiously, their fur bristling and their movements tense. These were no bold predators, they were frightened animals, driven to desperation.

"They're terrified," Serathis said quietly, noting the way the wolves' ears twitched at every sound.

"They've been chased," Rina guessed. "Something is hunting them."

"Us?" Li Wei asked, his voice cracking.

"No," Serathis replied grimly. "Something worse."

The wolves let out low growls, their lips curling to reveal sharp teeth. Though afraid, they were cornered, and desperation made them dangerous.

"Back up slowly," Diana whispered, gripping her weapon tightly. "Don't make sudden moves."

The pack shifted uneasily, their eyes darting between the group and the dark forest behind them. Suddenly, one wolf bolted, dashing past them into the trees. The rest of the pack hesitated, their instinct to flee clashing with the need to stand their ground.

"They're not focused on us," Rina said, a hint of relief in her voice.

"No," Serathis agreed, her tone sharp. "They're focused on what's behind us."

A guttural roar shattered the tense silence.

The wolves scattered, yelping as they fled into the forest. From the shadows emerged a hulking figure, its form unmistakable—a female beast, her sleek body glistening in the moonlight. Blood stained her claws, the evidence of a recent kill.

"Run!" Diana shouted, grabbing Li Wei's arm and pulling him along.

"No! We can't lead it to the village!" Serathis yelled.

The beast snarled, her golden eyes locking onto the group. She moved with predatory grace, her lips curling into a feral grin as if amused by their panic.

"We can't fight that thing!" Li Wei shouted, his voice trembling.

"We're not fighting," Rina said through gritted teeth. "We're surviving."

The beast lunged. Serathis met her charge with a calculated swing of her weapon, aiming to deter rather than harm. The blade scraped against the beast's hide, sparking a furious roar.

"Move!" Serathis barked, shoving Li Wei ahead.

The group scattered, weaving through the ruins in a desperate attempt to confuse their pursuer. The beast didn't falter, her powerful legs propelling her forward with terrifying speed.

Li Wei stumbled, his foot catching on a root. He hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the air from his lungs. The beast's snarls grew louder, closer.

"Get up!" Diana shouted, rushing to his side. She hauled him to his feet, just as the beast's claws swiped through the air where he'd fallen.

"Keep moving!" Rina shouted, her weapon clashing against the beast's claws as she bought them precious seconds.

The group burst from the ruins and into the open forest. The beast slowed, her eyes narrowing as she watched them retreat. She didn't follow, her predatory instincts satisfied with the fear she'd instilled.

Breathing heavily, the group finally reached the edge of the village. They collapsed onto the ground, their bodies trembling with exhaustion.

"What… was that?" Li Wei gasped, his chest heaving.

"A warning," Serathis said, her voice low. "The beasts don't need to chase us. They know we'll come back… and they're waiting."

Rina frowned, glancing back at the forest. "Something's not right. The wolves, the beasts… they're not acting like they should."

Diana nodded, her expression grim. "Something's driving them out of balance."

Li Wei looked between them, a sinking feeling settling in his chest.