Chapter 217 The Beast Within

• The guardian lunged, its massive claws scraping against the stone as it let out another bone-rattling roar. Its body shimmered with a dark, otherworldly energy, every movement a testament to the Queen's mastery of corrupted magic.
• Ariella raised her staff, summoning a protective barrier around Elara and the children. "Stay close and don’t move!" she shouted.
• Raelen darted forward, his twin blades flashing like lightning as he slashed at the beast’s legs. The creature howled in pain, but its wounds quickly began to knit themselves back together, the dark magic feeding its regeneration.