Deep inside the sacred chamber, far removed from the chaos unfolding on the surface, Thoren remained oblivious to the cataclysmic changes shaking the ancient city.
At this moment, nothing beyond the chamber mattered to him.
His situation did not allow even a fleeting thought of escape or distraction.
Survival was his only concern.
He stared at the terrifying monster standing before him and forcefully swallowed the lump lodged in his throat.
The humanoid creature towered at over three meters tall, its overwhelming presence pressing down on the chamber like an invisible weight.
Its long serpentine tail coiled lazily around its waist, moving with subtle intelligence, like a living sentinel waiting for blood.
Two crimson horns jutted from its head, pulsing faintly, slowly, rhythmically, like a heartbeat made of flesh and malice.
Its claws elongated before Thoren's eyes.
Longer.
Sharper.
Deadlier.
Each finger ended in a blade capable of tearing steel apart.
