We've Also Missed him

Detecting no immediate threats, Archer scooped up the lioness and dove into the hole just as the ground behind them erupted. The massive Mirewyrm shot out and landed on the tunnel floor.

Moments later, the couple followed the Mirewyrm deeper into the tunnel. The air was growing colder and darker. He concentrated, using Mana Manipulation to summon a soft, glowing light that illuminated their path.

''There we go,'' he said. ''This should help.''

Inara smiled just before the two continued forward. While trekking through the beasts' home, more of the monstrous creatures emerged from the shadows and entered smaller tunnels that went to other parts of the colony.

Inara's hand tightened around his arm, her pulse quickening as the creatures closed in. They pressed on, the sound of scuttling feet echoing in the narrow space until they finally arrived in a vast, cavernous chamber.