4 Something Lurks In The Darkness Its A ... (1/2)

It kind of hits her as soon as she's back in the foyer that she has no idea what to do.

//Perhaps I should head upstairs? They look unstable but it's fine since I can just fly up there.

Or should I go speak to Bradley again? I still have doubts. I can also head to the basement...//

She shakes her head and decides it's best to go upstairs.

But first she makes her own little light orb since the lights probably won't work. //I'm cool. I'm calm and in control.

I can do this!//

She summons her wings and flies up to the second floor. Once she lands she notices how its in even worse shape. Arguably worse than downstairs. The most noticeable thing is how a pillar fell blocking part of one hallway. Hopefully it doesn't lead to anywhere important. Another hallway seems to be less 'cluttered'. Just as she's about to walk down there, she suddenly hears something from the other side.

It's coming from the darkest part of the floor and she has no idea where it leads to. But she can make out a low growling sound.

It sounds familiar... could it be?

If it's what she thinks it is, then she can't just ignore it!

She walks slowly and carefully to the other side.

The growling is still very low but she can hear it clearly now. It's coming from one of the bedrooms towards the end of the hallway.

Wait. These rooms don't look too extravagant or big. Could this be this the servants quarters?

When she reaches the bedroom, Sophia is sure that behind the door, it's there. She carefully opens it. Trying to make little noise as possible.

Ah, she was right. As always.

Before her, she could almost barely make it out since it blends within the darkness but there's no mistaking it.

It's an ugly and fowl, Shadow Beast!

Shadow Beasts are considered monsters, evil and a gateway to Death's Doors. They're soulless creatures from hell itself! These beasts will rip any living being apart into shreds just for a taste of their soul.

But to Sophia, they're just pests.

Sophia has been dealing with them for over 20 years now! So she's gotten used to it. Actually, Shadow Beasts used to be rarely seen but they started plaguing most populous parts of the continent soon after the Draconic Wars began. Many believe that it's their fault. That the Dragons spawned them to use for their war but it's just a rumor. There's also a rumor that the world is coming to an end and these beasts roaming our world is a sign. Another rumor says that the Underworld is vanishing and they have nowhere else to go but here. Blah blah blah, it's rubbish! The Gods haven't said a word and no one's proved anything substantial. So as far as she's concerned, Shadow Beasts are nothing more than a nuisance.

It seems to be resting? Sophia moves as close as she can without disturbing it. After outweighing her options, she thinks it's best to trap it and deal with it later. It's just too troublesome to fight a beast right now.

Sophia creates a light barrier to contain it but then she realizes something. The beast hasn't noticed her yet. There was a nagging voice in her head that something wasn't quite right.

///”Sophie dear, there must be a reason it's here. Don't you find it strange and interesting?”///

All she's done is walk inside quietly but it should have noticed her instantly since she didn't use any spell to mask her presence. Normally, she wouldn't make this kind of mistake but the environment she's in is draining and out of her element. She also won't admit it but she's extremely nervous.

Regardless, the Shadow Beast should have noticed her and either attacked immediately or fled. Shadow Beasts are chaotic and violent they don't 'rest' like other corporeal beings because their bodies are mostly made from dark energies and souls they've consumed, which later will be tainted. When they need to 'rest' or escape they can dissolve at will and fade into the shadows. Which is why dealing with them is so annoying!

Anyways, the point being that this Shadow Beast looks like it's sleeping? Resting like a normal creature? How is it possible that it hasn't sensed her? Is there something wrong with it? This is honestly the first time she's witnessed anything like it.

Since it's trapped in the barrier, she decides to take a closer look at it. Gods. Other than being overwhelming hideous she can't see anything wrong per say.

Wait. There is something.