The growling intensified, reverberating through the cave like thunder, and my heart decided to audition for the lead in a percussion band. I tightened my grip on the rock in my hand my pathetic excuse for a weapon and shifted closer to the fox.
"Okay, okay," I whispered. "Whatever's out there doesn't sound friendly. We've got this, right? You and me, team firepower!"
The fox didn't look convinced. His fur bristled as his black eyes narrowed on the ivy-covered entrance.
For a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of flame in his gaze, and I hoped he was gearing up to unleash some of that terrifying black fire magic Thalindra loved so much.
Then, the ivy rustled, and a pair of glowing eyes appeared in the darkness beyond the entrance.
"Oh, great," I muttered. "Glowing eyes. Because regular eyes would've been too boring."
The creature stepped into view a hulking, twisted thing with sinewy muscles and leathery skin stretched taut over its frame.