Bc_brooke_belle_159

The creature tilted its massive head, the growl subsiding into a low rumble. It looked down at the fading Sunstone in its hands, then back at the small human brave enough to stand before it. Slowly, with a grace that defied its massive size, the beast lowered itself to the ground and extended its injured side toward Brooke.

By noon, the trees suddenly gave way to a massive, jagged clearing of dark volcanic rock. In the center of the clearing stood a creature that looked like it had been carved from the night sky itself. It was massive, with fur that shimmered like dark velvet and eyes that burned like twin white stars. Cradled in its giant, clawed hands was the Sunstone, its brilliant golden light visibly pulsing and fading. bc_brooke_belle_159

"It's draining it," Belle hissed, reaching for the small hunting bow strapped to her back. The creature tilted its massive head, the growl

They followed the glowing trail deeper into the heart of the woods, where the trees grew so close together that they blotched out most of the sky. The air grew colder with every step, a surefire sign that the stolen Sunstone was nearby, likely being drained of its warmth by the beast. By noon, the trees suddenly gave way to

Belle looked at the massive creature, then at her sister's determined face. "You want to walk up to a giant shadow monster and offer it medicine?" "Yes," Brooke said simply.

Brooke and Belle stood side by side, bathed in the restoring warmth of the Sunstone, knowing they had not only saved their village but had also made a friend in the deepest dark.