The Inner Shrine

I stood there, my heart racing, as I witnessed the majestic lions emerge from the suffocating, toxic mist, their sleek bodies unmarred by even the slightest injury. With regal grace, they began to saunter down the path, their eyes locked onto the gargoyle that was scurrying away in a desperate attempt to escape. In a flash, one lion lunged forward, its powerful paws barely grazing the gargoyle's back, eliciting a spine-chilling wail that echoed through the eerie silence of the surroundings. The lion paused momentarily, allowing the other lion to catch up. Then, with a swift and calculated move, the second lion sprang at the gargoyle, its claws raking the back of its legs, a playful yet menacing gesture. They were savoring the thrill of the chase, relishing the moment, unwilling to let the hunt conclude too swiftly. The atmosphere was thick with tension, a blend of excitement and dread, as the lions toyed with their quarry, embodying the primal dance of predator and prey.