The first light of dawn filtered through the narrow fissures in the cave wall, reaching out like slender fingers to gently caress Alex's face, rousing him from his sleep. He stirred, squinting against the brightness as he gradually regained conscious awareness.
Taking his time, Alex carefully rose to his feet, his limbs stretching out in a languid motion.
The remnants of the fire that had been his source of warmth and comfort the previous night were now nothing more than a pile of cold, gray ashes. The cave had once again resumed its inherent stillness and chill, its temporary transformation into a cozy refuge undone.
The disturbance of Alex's awakening seemed to have triggered a similar response from Golden Scale. With its slit-like eyes, the creature watched Alex, its gaze filled with a mixture of curiosity and alertness.
