---
Fenna's voice was ice. "You're not getting the cart. Or the cores. Or anything else."
Zephyr tilted his head slightly. Star stepped forward. The ground beneath him hissed where his claws touched ash.
Zephyr's jaw clenched. "You people picked the wrong team. You will regret this."
The lead rogue's smirk widened. "What a joke. If you don't give us what we want, Then we'll just take your lives instead."
Star stepped forward, wings half spread which blocked the cart. Smoke hissed from his nostrils. The molten gold of his eyes shimmered like twin suns. He purred as if he meant, "Don't touch my food. I won't let it slide."
A whistle cut the air. It was Zephyr's signal.
Three of the rogues slapped their hands and from the woods hidden companion's beast came out.
First one was a soot-black Coal Hound (D-rank, flame breath)
Second one was a lean Grave Vulture with ash-colored wings and a hooked beak (E-rank, swoop & bleed)
