Elara’s eyes narrowed as a faint creak echoed through the dimly lit hall of her fortress. A slow, dark smile spread across her lips, her fingers curling as wisps of shadow began to coil around her.

“So… another would-be hero dares to invade my domain?” she murmured, voice soft but laced with menace. “Bold. Foolish, but bold.”

She moved silently toward the source of the sound, her senses sharp, savoring the thrill of the hunt.

“Come out, little hero,” she called mockingly, her voice echoing through the stone corridor. “I promise I won’t bite… much.”