Bc_brooke_belle_159 -

The creature looked at Brooke and Belle for a long moment. Then, it carefully placed the Sunstone on the ground between them. The artifact immediately began to glow brighter, its warm, golden light flooding the clearing and chasing away the bitter cold. The beast bowed its head to them in silent gratitude before turning and melting back into the shadows of the deep forest.

"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." bc_brooke_belle_159

Brooke stopped, raising her hands to show they were empty except for the small wooden vial. "I know you are hurting," she said, her voice clear and steady in the silent clearing. "And I know you need the light to stay alive. But our people need it too. Let us help you heal your wound, and then we can share the warmth." The creature looked at Brooke and Belle for a long moment