The forest had never felt so cold.
Hundreds of glowing golden eyes stared from the darkness between the trees.
Watching.
Waiting.
Hunting.
Emily felt her pulse hammering in her ears.
The Hollow Ones stood motionless.
Dozens of shadowy figures scattered throughout the forest.
Some looked human.
Others did not.
Their bodies were twisted in unnatural ways.
As if something had broken them and then put them back together incorrectly.
The sight alone was enough to send chills through everyone present.
The wounded Watcher stumbled backward.
Fear filled his eyes.
"They've never come this close before."
Elyra immediately supported him.
"Take him back."
Several Watchers obeyed at once.
The injured man was quickly moved away from the front line.
The rest of the Watchers drew their weapons.
Silver blades flashed beneath the storm-dark sky.
The atmosphere became suffocating.
Heavy.
Dangerous.
The Guardian Beast stepped forward.
A deep growl rumbled from its chest.
