Shattered Veil

The cold wind howled through the trees, carrying with it the scent of rain and earth, a prelude to the storm that was fast approaching. The night sky, once a blanket of stars, was now obscured by thick, rolling clouds that threatened to unleash their fury upon the world below. In the heart of the forest, far from the prying eyes of civilization, a tension hung in the air, thick and suffocating. It was as though the very land itself was holding its breath, waiting for the inevitable clash between man and beast.In the clearing, Fabian stood alone, his body rigid, every muscle coiled as if ready to strike. His breath came in slow, measured gasps, the cold air burning his lungs as he struggled to maintain his composure. The devilish grin that had once curled his lips had long since vanished, replaced by a mask of grim determination. He could feel the beast within him, a presence that was no longer content to be caged, a presence that clawed at the edges of his consciousness, demanding to