Chapter 31: (CH30)THE FANGED DECISION
Luis eyed the girl cautiously as she and her dragon approached through the clearing. She walked like a predator, unbothered by the carnage around them.
He whispered, "Zyx, I thought I was the only Host in this cave."
Zyx floated beside him, hands behind his back like a smug librarian. "Apparently not. Surprise! This death trap’s got more guests than a cursed Airbnb."
The girl raised her hand, flames briefly flickering around her fingers. Her dragon snarled beside her.
"Prepare to die, Hunter," she said calmly.
Luis raised both hands, backing a step. "Whoa, hey, how about we don’t start with murder? Maybe talk first?"
She paused. A moment passed. Then she lowered her hand slightly. "Hmph. Let me guess—first time in a Cave of the Forgotten?"
Luis blinked. "Yes... this isn’t yours?"
"My third."
Luis let out a breath. "So, what, you’re just sightseeing now?"
The girl ignored the sarcasm. "This place works on one rule: Hunter and Hunted. When you enter, you’re assigned one or the other. The only way out is for the hunter to kill the hunted."