Nahrin suddenly roared, his body was going crazy with the fire aether surging through him, making it feel as though he were burning alive.

This was no ordinary summoning. It went far beyond that, for he was not simply calling forth a creature; he was reaching for his own beast that was deep within himself.

The one that had died long ago when Sumarg struck, the day he had done everything in his power to protect his daughter and wife.

Sadly, he lost not only his wife that day but also his beast, but he was not mad or sad about it.

Both his wife and creature had given everything to save Horin, and he was grateful for their sacrifice.

Today, though, he dared to hope of regaining his old friend.

Nahrin wanted Jorak back and all the help it would bring him. His creature that he had summoned as a young cub, even younger than his daughter Horin.

He was a friend that he had grown up with; he met his wife because of Jorak, and even remembered all the times he had ridden him into the sunset.

He recalled the way his daughter Horin used to see the large beast like a grandfather, one she did not have but loved. His beast had always protected her, always cared for her as well.

Now with his ruined limb, Nahrin could no longer fight as he once did.

No healer had been able to restore him, and the weight of that loss gnawed at him every day.

The role of a fearless and strong leader he once held with pride, had been reduced to that of an advisor.

But at least with Jorak, he could rejoin the battles. With Jorak, he could ride once more, the sabertooth serving as his new legs, carrying him into the worst of the upcoming fights.

Another roar tore from his chest, so loud it startled even the soldiers waiting outside the walls.

None inside the tent dared speak.

They were transfixed by the storm of aether gathering around him. Dozens of fire crystals pulsed, their combined energy flooding the air.

Though their quality was low, the sheer quantity made the ritual surge forward with unstoppable momentum.

The heat spread through the tent like waves, yet none of the others felt pain, for none shared the sabertooth's fiery element.

Then, at last, a body began to take shape before Nahrin. At first, it looked like a massive lion. But it grew larger, heavier, broader. Its presence filled the tent until it nearly rivaled Grin at full size.

Horin, unable to hold back her joy, rose to her feet and stepped closer to the creature as its form neared completion. Its golden fur reminded her of the savanna grass, its long brown mane like that of a lion, and the saber-like fangs unmistakably like her father's.

When the summoning finished, she gazed into its eyes, large, green, slit-pupiled, filled with the same intelligence she remembered from her childhood. She had never known if she would see those eyes again. Her father had always pushed back the thought of bringing the beast back, weighed down by guilt. He had lost his wife that day, and though he might summon Jorak once more, he could never bring back her mother. That was why he had never dedicated himself to the ritual until now.

Horin waited, breath held, uncertain if this was truly the same summon. Her father stood just as still, both of them watching the beast's reaction.

The massive sabertooth, barely fitting within the tent, turned at last to face Nahrin. It lowered its head, sniffing him carefully. The silence was heavy as everyone waited. Then, in a rough but unmistakably affectionate gesture, the creature pressed its nose to Nahrin's chest.

The Ravari leader did not recoil. Instead, he embraced the great cat with trembling arms.

"You're back, Jorak… I'm glad to see you again, my friend. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't do more that time."

The heartwarming sight deepened as Horin finally stepped forward. For once, she did not hide her emotions. Tears welled in her eyes as she wrapped her arms around Jorak's thick mane, holding the beast tightly. Everyone present understood how rare it was to see Horin weep, and how deeply this reunion meant to her.

Fay clenched his jaw, struggling to restrain emotions he didn't want to reveal. Maria and Selûne couldn't help but cry openly, and even Joan wiped away a few quiet tears without speaking a word.

At last, the touching reunion came to an end. Nahrin, now with his beast restored to him, led the group outside and began to saddle Jorak.

The great sabertooth moved with ease, even shifting his body to make it simpler for his summoner to secure the straps.

"So, Horin," Fay asked as she rejoined the group of younger companions, "what can the big sabertooth do?"

"What can't he do, Fay…" Horin replied, her voice carrying both pride and joy. "He's fast; he practically taught me to hunt. Stealthy and strong, strong enough to split a tree in half with a single swipe. His claws can be imbued with fire, turning them into weapons even deadlier than steel. His mane can ignite, making it nearly impossible for anything not born of fire to stand against him. He can leap walls, trees, almost anything in his path…"

She stopped, breathless from listing it all, though her expression glowed with joy.

"That is good then," Fay said with a nod. "A powerful ally and one we will need."

He turned his eyes upward, watching the wall. The signal pyres had yet to be lit. The siege had not yet begun, but everyone knew it was only a matter of time.

It was then that the first signal shot up, a streak of fire arcing high over the wall and bursting in the night sky.

Fay, knowing he needed to return to his position, sprinted toward the command tent. Inside, Elaruîn stood hunched over a map, his expression tight with focus.

"That was only a warning shot," Elaruîn said, not looking up. "Their way of demanding we surrender if we lack the strength. Keep your creatures ready. We'll be moving soon. Have your troops form their lines, we need to show them that we are not afraid, that they have someone worth fighting with."

Elaruîn straightened a little, his small gecko-like familiar perched on his shoulder. A moment later, he summoned his larger flying creature, which soared into the midday sky above the camp.

Horin followed suit, summoning her buzzard, though she was careful not to let it drift too close to the hum's territory. Instead, she had it circle high above the castle grounds, its sharp eyes giving her a clear view of the demons and their unsettling formations as they gathered.

"I can see them clearly now," Horin reported, her eyes fixed through her buzzard's vision.

"They're even closer. The one launching the fire signals is a massive beast, fire-blooded, with a gaping maw… As for the rest, they've split into three separate camps. They must not get along well, because the divisions between them are obvious."

She tried to focus for a clearer view, but another fiery explosion split the sky, its crack like thunder rolling across the walls.

"Enough," Elaruîn said firmly. "Gather the troops who command beasts. Place them near the gate. Make certain they are summoners, ready to bring forth their creatures the moment we open it. Let the enemy see we are not mere humans waiting to be cut down. Let them know they face something far greater."

"Now form up. We'll see if we can talk this out. It's unlikely, but we must at least try diplomacy first."

Mirage joined the group, taking her place beside Fay. Elaruîn stood ahead, with Nahrin riding proudly on Jorak, the massive sabertooth at his side. The rest of their companions fell in behind, their presence arranged like a royal guard.

Each one had their creature ready, a clear display that they were summoners, proof to the enemy that any battle would not be against ordinary soldiers.

Fay, knowing the weight of appearances, had Somni perched firmly on his shoulder while Grin lumbered close behind him, its heavy steps shaking the ground. Jolt, however, remained unsummoned. Fay chose to hold that one back, saving a measure of surprise should battle prove inevitable.

Soon, others joined them, taking positions along the walls and behind the gates.

Some of Fay's soldiers stood above the gates, watching from above, while others remained at the ready in case this meeting proved a ruse and enemies tried to slip inside.

"Remember," Elaruîn said firmly, his voice low but sharp, "only Mirage and I will speak. The rest of you, keep your anger in check. Do not act rashly."

He knew the warning was necessary, especially for Nahrin, whose temper and grief could boil over at the slightest provocation.

Fay gave a silent nod. For him, the outcome mattered less. He was prepared for words or war.

At last, the gates opened, and the group began their march outside. Across the field, seven figures stepped forward from the opposing force, moving toward the center to meet them. None wore their full armor, a calculated gesture meant to show they had not yet come to fight.

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