Eric's heart pounded in his chest as the ground trembled with each thunderous step of the dragon. He pressed himself deeper into the shadows, his body tense with fear. His breaths came in shallow gasps as he tried to quiet his racing mind and listen for any clues to the dragon's location.
The darkness of the shadow offered a small comfort, but Eric knew it wouldn't be enough to protect him if the dragon found him. He desperately wished he had some sort of weapon or protection, but he was woefully unprepared for this encounter.
As the dragon drew closer, Eric could feel the cold of its breath and the weight of its presence bearing down on him. He closed his eyes and held his breath, hoping beyond hope that it would pass him by without noticing him.
