章 167: Stella's Struggles 2

Off in the distance, where the sun normally crested over the hills, was a spot where the darkness was thickest. The season had not changed, nor had the nights gotten longer. The dark morning was an abnormality caused by a mantle of shadow blotting out the rising sun. 

In the deepest spot stood a man. It was Atheon, the Dragon King of Shadow, and he stepped forward and extended his arms to the sides to conjure up two portals of darkness.

Two beasts rose from their depths––familiar quadrupedal abominations and Atheon's new toys, graciously granted to him by his master.

There were some differences with these compared to the ones he had attack Oto, though. They were smaller and held no special abilities. Their heads were covered in a hundred eyes, the limbs were a little longer, and a long chain hung above their back legs that served as a tail.

These beasts were designed for tracking and capture. They were tools for carrying out his master's latest orders.