Chapter 18 The Hunt Beckons

• The air had changed.
• Xueya stood at the edge of the village, eyes lifted to the treetops, where the once vibrant green had given way to hues of amber and burnt gold. The crisp bite of early autumn carried with it a restlessness that reached into every beastman's bones—the Hunt was near.
• Below the trees, warriors trained in pairs, sparring with grunts and growls, tails lashing and claws flashing in the filtered light. Scouts sharpened their blades, checked traps, and updated terrain sketches. Even the younger beastmen moved with an edge of excitement, whispering stories of the elusive Virellin and what glory its successful hunt could bring.