The cavern's molten glow cast flickering shadows across the stone, illuminating piles of treasure that gleamed with an almost otherworldly allure. Gold coins spilled from ancient chests, gems winked like captured stars, and weapons—swords, axes, and spears—lay in meticulous stacks, their edges honed to perfection.
Ignis, now in human form, strode forward with a quiet grace, his molten-gold eyes sweeping over the hoard with a faint, possessive glint. Ash caught the look—a dragon's love for treasure, undimmed even in this mortal guise.
"Follow me," Ignis said, his voice like embers crackling in a hearth. He led them past the central dais, where claw marks scarred the stone, toward a tunnel branching of the main chamber. "My sanctum is more suited for... conversation."
Ash exchanged a glance with Maya, her hand resting on her bow, wary but intrigued. Jagu padded close, his stone hide brushing against Ash's leg.
