The beast loomed before me, its massive frame radiating menace. Torn scraps of its former human clothing lay scattered across the floor, stark against the grimy backdrop. Even on all fours, it towered over me, a full head taller. Dark gray fur bristled with primal savagery, and its eyes burned with an unrelenting, violent rage. The sheer force of its aura screamed danger, and the crowd roared their approval, chanting for Steele’s beast to strike.

I swallowed hard, my pulse pounding in my ears ...