"We cannot afford to be timid now," Brooke said, forcing a bravery she did not entirely feel. "The fog is lifting. If we move fast, we can catch it before it reaches the Black Crag."
Leaving her walking stick behind to show she meant no harm, Brooke stepped out onto the black rock. The creature's head snapped over instantly. A low, thunderous growl rolled across the clearing, shaking the very stones beneath Brooke's boots. The white star eyes locked onto her. bc_brooke_belle_159
The creature looked at Brooke and Belle for a long moment. Then, it carefully placed the Sunstone on the ground between them. The artifact immediately began to glow brighter, its warm, golden light flooding the clearing and chasing away the bitter cold. The beast bowed its head to them in silent gratitude before turning and melting back into the shadows of the deep forest. "We cannot afford to be timid now," Brooke