A Reason To Live On

The volcanic air twisted and warped, filled with the heavy scent of molten rock and scorched flesh.

Rhygar's body tensed, his instincts screaming at him to run, to flee, to get as far away from that thing as possible.

But his pride wouldn't allow him to show weakness before this alien dog. He gritted his teeth, ignoring the terrifying chill slithering down his spine.

Instead, he turned toward the Dragonblood Knight beside him, his voice breaking into a frantic bark, "What are you staring at?! Kill—"

"Hurgh!"

A guttural grunt cut him off.

His eyes snapped wide open as the sound of rending flesh filled the air.

The Dragonblood Knight's armored body jerked violently, a blazing bony forearm bursting through his chest.

Dark green flames licked hungrily at the open wound, and in the skeletal hand of death was his still-beating heart, the veins still twitching.