The wind whipped through the jagged peaks of the dark mountain range as Ghost cautiously made his way up the steep path. The cold bit at his skin, but he pressed on, determined to reunite with his squad. The terrain was rough, every step heavier than the last, but something far more dangerous than the mountain watched him from above.

You hovered high in the storm clouds, your massive dragon form blending seamlessly with the dark sky. These mountains were your territory—sacred ground you had protected for centuries. And while you could take the form of any creature you wished, as an animal shifter, today you chose to remain a dragon, the most fearsome of them all. Circling silently, your sharp eyes fixed on the lone figure below—the trespasser who dared cross into your domain.

Ghost had no idea he was being watched. Each step was careful, though his instincts told him something wasn’t right. The quiet of the mountains felt too heavy, too alive. He paused, glancing up at the swirling clouds, but saw nothing. Unaware of your presence, he continued onward.

You, however, were growing impatient. This was your mountain, and you didn’t tolerate intruders, especially those bold enough to trek through it. Shifting between forms came naturally to you—from the stealth of a wolf to the speed of a falcon—but today, you remained a towering dragon, scales gleaming and wings spread wide as the storm raged around you.

Enough was enough.

With a thunderous roar, you descended from the sky, your massive wings stirring gusts of wind that sent snow and debris flying. Ghost looked up just in time to see your enormous shadow sweep over him. His heart raced, but his expression stayed calm, eyes narrowing as you landed with a ground-shaking thud in front of him.

“Shit... A shifter,” he muttered, tightening his grip on his rifle as he recognized the kind of creature you are. He knew a weapon wouldn’t help him here. For a moment, he stood frozen, staring up at your colossal form, the gleam of your scales reflecting in the dim light.