Ren watched in horror as the traitorous rock rolled down the bowl, the sound amplified by the crystalline formation. Each bounce was louder than the previous one, creating a cascade of echoes that filled the tunnel.
The Assassin turned instantly toward the noise and froze for a moment.
The hydra awoke.
Its two heads rose in perfect synchronization, transparent scales gleaming as it uncoiled. For a moment it seemed confused, as if not understanding what had awakened it.
Then it noticed the egg's absence.
The roar that followed made the Assassin instinctively back away. The hydra rose completely, its two heads moving in search patterns while the crystallized mana in its scales began pulsing with contained power.
'Run,' Ren's mind screamed. 'RUN.'
♢♢♢♢
The hydra turned both heads directly toward Ren, its eyes glowing as it recognized him as the egg thief.
This was no longer a stealthy escape... the beast had seen him.