Chapter 39: First Fight
>>Aelin
"You underestimate me." Draegon said and then looked back at me, "Aelin," he said in a low growl, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Move away. When you get the chance, run back up—don’t stop until you’re out of the dungeon."
I was still trying to absorb what had happened when I looked at him, "..."
"Do you hear me?" He called again as he held me
"But—" I began to argue, but his grip tightened, his sharp glare brooking no argument.
"Go."
Ariston was already at my side, his blade ready in his hands while Draken and Drakkar fought with monsters, the other demons trying to assist them. Ariston glanced at Draegon, then back at me. "I’ll keep her out of the way. You just—"
"Go," Draegon finished darkly, rolling his shoulders as his claws lengthened further, razor-sharp and gleaming. The air around him grew thick, charged with power.
The dungeon stretched out far beyond what I had imagined—a massive cavernous space lit dimly by torches, with crumbling stone walls that swallowed the sound of our steps. Despite the vastness, the air was stifling, reeking of rot and something far worse.
The skeletal hound was the first to strike, its horrific frame bolting forward with unnatural speed, its gaping jaw snapping like an iron trap. The first monster—a towering, shadowy abomination—slithered and stalked closer, its elongated claws scraping against the ground, leaving deep gouges in the stone.
"Now!" Draegon shouted, charging toward the skeletal hound.