I blinked, trying to process the situation.
Was this some kind of trick? No way Cerberus was being polite.
"Uh... hey there, big guy," I muttered, taking a hesitant step forward.
The creature's three heads leaned in unison, sniffing the air as though catching my scent.
At that moment, a memory flickered—something about offering a gift to Cerberus, or was it bribery?
My fingers fumbled for the packet of beef jerky I had picked up earlier at the stall in Mictlan.
Might as well try.
I waved the jerky in front of the dog's noses, a soft, crinkling sound that seemed to immediately catch their attention.
All three heads froze, their eyes widening, nostrils flaring with the scent of the cured meat. Then, without hesitation, one of the heads leaned forward and licked my hand.
A massive, slovenly lick that covered my palm in drool. I laughed—surprised, but relieved.
