Chapter 141: Shen Lao’s Truth
The passage leading away from the stomach was a nightmare of pulsing walls and shifting anatomy. Grim pressed himself against the fleshy tunnel as they climbed upward, the creature’s awakening causing the entire structure to shift and contract around them. The red bioluminescent veins embedded in the walls provided just enough light to navigate, but the constant motion made every step treacherous.
"This way," Lin called, her ice barrier flickering as she fought to maintain it against the acidic environment. "The passage opens up ahead."
They emerged into a vast chamber. Unlike the organic curves of the stomach, this space was clearly artificial—the walls were carved and even what appeared to be crude furniture scattered throughout. But most shocking of all were the figures moving in the shadows.
"Prisoners," Suanni breathed, his flames casting shadows as the prisoners began to look at them.
Most were clearly mad, gibbering to themselves or cowering from the light. Centuries of imprisonment in the belly of a creature had broken their minds, leaving them as hollow shells of whatever they had once been. But one figure stepped forward with purpose.
He was ancient even by dragon standards, his scales were a deep midnight blue. Scars covered his body. His eyes, when they fixed on Lin, held a recognition that made her step backward involuntarily.
"Princess Lin," the ancient dragon said, his voice like gravel grinding against stone. "You have your mother’s eyes. And her beauty. Though I suspect that’s where the similarities end."
"Who are you?" Lin demanded, ice forming defensively around her hands.
The dragon smiled, revealing teeth that had been filed to sharp points. "I am Shen Lao, once Dragon General of the North Sea, lover of your mother, and according to your father’s judgment, traitor to the realm."