Jude was the last to climb the rope, his fingers gripping tightly as he pulled himself onto the new ship's deck. The second his feet touched the wood, he turned back, watching as the monstrous creature in the water writhed in rage. The beast let out another deafening shriek, its massive body twisting as it prepared to launch itself toward them once more.
Before it could, a volley of harpoons shot from the ship, striking the creature's hide with deadly precision. The beast roared in pain, but it wasn't retreating, it was adapting. Its wounds, though deep, didn't seem to slow it down. If anything, the attacks only served to enrage it further.
A figure stepped forward, his dark cloak billowing in the wind as he raised a hand toward the creature. His presence alone commanded attention, and Jude found himself momentarily transfixed. The man's voice rang out, laced with an authority that sent shivers down Jude's spine. "Begone, beast. You do not belong in these waters."
