Bc_brooke_belle_159

Belle stepped out from the treeline to join her sister. Working together with steady hands, the sisters applied the healing salve to the creature's deep wound. As the herbs took effect, the beast let out a long, sighing breath of relief.

Brooke and Belle stood side by side, bathed in the restoring warmth of the Sunstone, knowing they had not only saved their village but had also made a friend in the deepest dark. bc_brooke_belle_159

The creature tilted its massive head, the growl subsiding into a low rumble. It looked down at the fading Sunstone in its hands, then back at the small human brave enough to stand before it. Slowly, with a grace that defied its massive size, the beast lowered itself to the ground and extended its injured side toward Brooke. Belle stepped out from the treeline to join her sister

By noon, the trees suddenly gave way to a massive, jagged clearing of dark volcanic rock. In the center of the clearing stood a creature that looked like it had been carved from the night sky itself. It was massive, with fur that shimmered like dark velvet and eyes that burned like twin white stars. Cradled in its giant, clawed hands was the Sunstone, its brilliant golden light visibly pulsing and fading. Brooke and Belle stood side by side, bathed

"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."