Chapter 186

Mia's POV

But as I descended towards the creature, it seemed to sense my presence, its massive form twisting and contorting as it lashed out with a flurry of razor-sharp threads. I barely had time to react before the threads enveloped me, their barbed edges slicing through my skin like hot knives through butter.

Pain exploded in my body as I tumbled through the air, the force of the creature's attack sending me crashing to the forest floor below. Gasping for breath, I struggled to regain my footing, the dagger slipping from my grasp as I fought to shake off the shock of the impact.

That had been a bad idea. A very very bad idea. Damn.

Through the haze of pain, I could see Lycidas battling furiously against the creature, his movements a blur of speed and agility as he danced around its massive form. But even as he fought, it was clear that the creature was too powerful, its tendrils of darkness overwhelming him at every turn.

Desperation clawed at my chest as I watched Lycidas falter,