Just as Kai was about to finally close his eyes—
Flick!
A vivid mental image flashed through his mind—distorted shadows flickering beyond the trees, glowing red eyes, and a hulking figure slithering across the edge of the cliff near their cave.
He rubbed his eyes with the heel of his palm and let out a low, drawn-out groan.
"Ah… fuck."
Just as these words escaped his lips.
GRRRRRRRR!
A guttural growl echoed from outside the cave, deep and thunderous, making the rocks tremble slightly beneath their feet.
Corrin jolted upright from his half-snoozing state, his eyes snapping open.
"Wha—what the hell was that?!"
Kai was already on his feet, grabbing his twin daggers and glancing toward the cave entrance.
His gaze sharpened like a predator's.
"Something's here."
Another growl—louder, closer—rattled the silence.
Thud… Thud… THUD!
The ground beneath their feet trembled slightly.
The temperature inside seemed to dip, despite the warmth outside.
