Chapter 13: Gaping Dragon
The human-headed beast writhed beneath the crushing limb, its grotesque arms flailing, violet eyes bulging in panic. The arrogance that had filled its voice earlier was gone, replaced with shrill, pathetic pleading.
"W-Wait! I yield! Spare me! I—I was only playing! A little sport!"
A low, thunderous growl boomed from above, like the sound of mountains grinding. Then came the voice—deeper than the world's crust, ancient and furious. It rolled through the trees, bending branches and warping shadows.
"Maul'tahk."
The name landed like a curse.
"You made a vow," the unknown entity continued its vicious anger. "You said you would never spread your gradient within the heartwood of this forest. Not again."
Maul'tahk beneath the massive limb squirmed harder, panic bubbling through every word. "I—I forgot! It's been so long since anyone dared set foot in Vaingall! A newcomer! A little Fateling! I couldn't help myself!"
The voice above snarled in disgust.
"You forgot?"
The limb pressed down.
There was a sickening crunch.