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.

They followed the glowing trail deeper into the heart of the woods, where the trees grew so close together that they blotched out most of the sky. The air grew colder with every step, a surefire sign that the stolen Sunstone was nearby, likely being drained of its warmth by the beast. bc_brooke_belle_159

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. The creature looked at Brooke and Belle for a long moment

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. The beast bowed its head to them in

Belle lowered her bow slightly, her brow furrowing. "But if it keeps holding it, the stone will go dark. Our people will die."