As they reached the edge of the triangular chamber, Alex raised a fist — the signal to stop.
He pressed his back against the stone wall, and the others instinctively mirrored him. Even Hati rose onto his hind legs and pressed himself flat, mimicking them.
Alex nearly laughed but held it in, whispering,
"We have to take them by surprise — but first, we need to know how many there are."
He gestured silently for the others to stay put. Then, cloaked in darkness, he erased his presence and crept toward the chamber entrance. Remaining hidden, he peered inside.
Five hunters.
Two swordsmen.
Two archers.
One man covered in throwing daggers — dozens strapped across his chest.
Just as Alex prepared to return to his companions—
A yellow light surged across the chamber.
Every hunter snapped their gaze toward him.
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
A deep, guttural growl erupted from all of them at once. It was ancient. Humiliating. Monstrous.
Alex froze.
