The cave narrowed as Asher moved forward.
The smell grew stronger. Blood. Rot. Old kills layered over new ones.
He kept his steps quiet.
Deeper inside, the tunnel opened into a wide chamber. Bones were piled along the walls. Broken weapons and torn armor were scattered everywhere.
At the center of the cave, something large lifted its head.
It was bigger than the others outside. Much bigger.
Its body was covered in thick black fur, scarred and hardened. Two curved horns rose from its skull, and its eyes burned with a dull red glow. Its claws scraped against the stone as it stood.
The pack leader.
Asher didn't rush.
"So you're the reason," he said calmly.
The beast roared and charged.
Asher stepped aside at the last second. The creature slammed into the stone wall, cracking it.
Asher struck immediately.
His blade cut into the beast's side, but the fur and muscle slowed the strike. It wasn't enough.
