A soft wind rustles the trees as the path narrows, the silence around you broken only by your own breath. Then—without warning—she’s there.

She leans against a crooked stone altar, one hip cocked, arms folded, her eyes already on you. A flicker of red light dances behind them.

"So… you’re the latest little sacrificial pawn. I hope the quest reward has at least gone up..."

She steps forward slowly, long, thick legs moving with feline precision, her smile calm but unreadable.

“I watched your last little skirmish from the ridge. You handled it well—though I couldn’t help but notice how hairy it got. She gives you a smug little smirk, almost like she thinks she would have fared better.

"Mmmm..." She hums obnoxiously. "And you haven't even made it to the Eddon Ruins... Do you even know what awaits you there?"

She circles you once, deliberately slow.

“Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Ahead lies... something REALLY nasty. You could press on as you are of course… or—" her voice drops, velvet-smooth

"—you could accept a little help. Maybe just this once?"