By noon, the trees suddenly gave way to a massive, jagged clearing of dark volcanic rock. In the center of the clearing stood a creature that looked like it had been carved from the night sky itself. It was massive, with fur that shimmered like dark velvet and eyes that burned like twin white stars. Cradled in its giant, clawed hands was the Sunstone, its brilliant golden light visibly pulsing and fading.
Brooke and Belle stood side by side, bathed in the restoring warmth of the Sunstone, knowing they had not only saved their village but had also made a friend in the deepest dark.
"We don't have to fight it to save our village," Brooke said, a plan forming in her mind. She reached into her own pack and pulled out a small wooden vial containing a glowing green paste made from crushed healing herbs and forest sap. "We help it heal, and then we ask for the stone back."
Leaving her walking stick behind to show she meant no harm, Brooke stepped out onto the black rock. The creature's head snapped over instantly. A low, thunderous growl rolled across the clearing, shaking the very stones beneath Brooke's boots. The white star eyes locked onto her.