The Violet Flame Hawk, a creature of immense size with plumage that shimmered with hues of deep violet and fiery orange, let out a piercing screech that echoed through the forest canopy. Its eyes, like molten gold, fixed on Alaric and the two women he held, and with a powerful beat of its massive wings, it launched itself towards them.
"Aaaaaah!" Queen Margaret screamed, her grip tightening on Alaric's arm, her face buried against his chest.
"We're going to die!" Josephine shrieked, her eyes wide with unadulterated terror as the monstrous bird hurtled towards them.
Alaric, though outwardly calm, felt a surge of adrenaline. 'Perfect! Just the reaction I was hoping for,' he thought. Holding both women tightly, he channeled his wind elemental magic, creating powerful gusts of air that allowed him to maneuver with surprising agility despite his encumbrance.
