An Understated Dominance (Maria Vittori) novel Chapter 1958

On the camp's outskirts, two elite squads stood watch with their eyes fixed on the darkness ahead.

The distant roars of approaching creatures echoed, accompanied by the rumble of their thunderous run. Everyone in the camp had assembled, prepared to face the unknown threat.

"Protect Ms. Linsor!" The captain of the royal guard quickly assembled his men when he saw Grace step forward. They formed a protective circle around her as a precaution.

"Draw your swords!" Excitement and nervous anticipation mixed within Jackson as he directed the disciples of the Embersteel Order to form a defensive stance.

While sparring in the martial world was familiar, facing a creature was entirely new and anxiety-inducing.

"Stay sharp and adapt to the situation," Garrett urged.

The Black Scorpion Squad took a strategic position at the back. Despite their diverse skills, their combat strength fell short compared to the Embersteel Order disciples.

"Making a fuss over nothing." Aidan leaned casually against a tree, jug of warm wine in hand, appearing indifferent.

Despite his status as a grandmaster martial artist, he radiated pride and paid little attention to common creatures. Yet, he couldn't help but be curious about the peculiar beings hidden in the mysterious oasis.

Suddenly, a thunderous roar echoed through the air, and a strange creature, neither deer nor horse, emerged from the shadows.

It had two horns, scales that adorned its body, a tail resembling a steel whip, and razor-sharp teeth, creating an intimidating spectacle.

"Set the fire ablaze!" the captain of the royal guard commanded.

The outer perimeter's kerosene was immediately ignited. The camp's surroundings came to life, casting away the earlier chill and enveloping the area in comforting warmth.

The deer-horse-like creature emitted a startled neigh in front of the wall of fire. It paused in its advance and lifted its front hooves in fear. After all, nearly all creatures displayed an instinctual aversion to fire.

"Hah! That really got me! I thought this creature was some powerhouse, but no, just this scaredy-cat!"

"This creature seems menacing, but it couldn't even handle a wall of fire. Classic case of appearances being deceiving."

"This creature's definitely one of a kind. Imagine if we manage to capture it alive! It could fetch a hefty sum in the market, don't you think?"

"Yes! Let's catch it alive and cash in big time!"

Excitement bubbled within the group as discussions erupted.

The realization that the rare creature before them could fetch a substantial sum at auction heightened the anticipation, surpassing the value of most treasures.

Amidst their discussion, a sudden movement emerged from the darkness. The creature resembled a panther but was notably larger. Its black fur shimmered like a coat of armor in the flickering firelight.

The black panther swiftly lunged at the deer-horse-like creature, clamping its jaws onto its neck.

Overwhelming in size and strength, the panther tore into its prey, and the cries of the deer-horse-like creature weakened with each passing moment.

As the struggle wore on, the deer-horse-like creature's attempts to break free proved futile against the relentless assault of the black panther.