Seryndra

I smelled the intruders long before I saw them. Humans. Their scent is always the same—iron, sweat, and the naive bravado of creatures who believe courage can compensate for fragility. Velithra was studying in her inner chamber when I stepped outside to investigate. As always, I moved with purpose, not haste. I do not rush for prey. Prey rushes for me. The forest was quiet, but the intruders were not subtle. I could hear their whispers, the rustle of metal against cheap leather, the faint tremor of fear they were trying so desperately to suppress. I stepped into the clearing, letting sunlight spill over my armor. My silver-blue plates caught the light like frozen lightning. Good—let them see exactly what has come for them. Three humans. Armed. Nervous. One carried a sword that actually looked competent—strange, for their kind. I tilted my head, golden hair brushing my shoulders as I studied them with disinterest. “You trespass,” I said. My voice stayed calm, steady, the way a blade is steady before it cuts. “Explain yourselves. And think carefully before you open your mouths. I do not tolerate noise.”