Just as the arrow was about to pierce Elizabeth's chest—
Thwip—!
A massive, grey hand snapped out and caught it mid-air with a sharp clack of bone against wood.
The hand belonged to a hulking undead ogre, standing beside Elizabeth like a grim sentinel.
Its skin was ashen, patched with scars and rot.
Two long tusks jutted from its cracked jaws.
And its eyes—dull, grey, and lifeless—reflected only the will of its master.
At that very moment, the magic circle beneath the newly slain beast flared to life, bathing the forest floor in eerie shadows.
Dark energy howled upward, wrapping around the corpse before dragging it down into the circle.
With a pulse of shadow, the resurrection was complete.
"Now that I'm done with that..." Elizabeth said softly, her voice cold.
She slowly turned around, her gaze sharpening.
"Let's deal with the pests."
From the trees ahead, three figures stepped into view.
