Deep in the cavern's recess, Laito felt a jolt of pure adrenaline.
Contact.
Something touched the shell. A rough, calloused hand against the calcified surface.
Laito threw his weight against the inner wall, forcing the heavy egg to rock back and forth. He had to be obvious. He had to prove he wasn't a dud.
See me! I am alive! I am valuable!
Outside, Ludo the Gnoll froze. His hand was resting on the massive, yard-long egg. In his experience, eggs of this size usually birthed fully grown Insectoid warriors—killing machines ready to tear a throat out the moment the shell cracked.
Ludo raised his scythe, the curved blade glinting in the torchlight. The safest move was to split it open and abort the threat before it drew its first breath.
But the blade stopped inches from the shell.
Ludo cocked his head, his ears twitching. He sniffed the air.
Danger? No.
Malice? None.
Ludo lowered the weapon, his yellow eyes widening. Confusion gave way to a toothy, slobbering grin.
