There was much to realize, conclude, and decide at that development, but the heated moment suppressed superfluous thoughts, delving any available energy into the escape from the approaching slithering noises.
The fearsome snake was hot on the trail, so close that Liam could hear and almost feel its breath among the general rumbling. The magical beast seemed within arm's reach, but he could only run. The previous clash had told him that a fight wasn't an option.
The location further limited the group's options. The stone passage was relatively narrow, barely fitting two grown men, so Melissa, Randall, Liam, and the magical beast formed a hurried but orderly line while advancing through that obligatory path.
No more crossroads arrived, but the stone passage featured sharp turns that eventually began to descend, as if coiling toward even greater depths.
