The beast pushed itself to its feet, its movements slow and labored, but still dangerous.
Its body was a mess of blood and sweat, its scales chipped and broken, but its gaze was as deadly as ever.
For the first time, a glimmer of intelligence seemed to flicker in the beast's eyes, a spark of cunning that had been hitherto absent.
The beast's eyes burned with a calculating intensity as it seemed to consider its options, a low growl rumbling in its chest as it evaluated the situation.
It was almost as if it had come to a conclusion, a grim understanding that brute force alone would not be enough to overcome the formidable duo before it.
In a sudden burst of movement, the beast threw itself at Gatti, its massive frame moving with surprising speed and agility.
Its claws flashed in the dim light of the cave, its fangs bared in a furious snarl.
