The cavern pulsed with an unnatural silence, broken only by the soft crunch of their boots against the frost-covered ground. A chilling sensation swept over the group as they moved, each step more cautious than the last. Suddenly, the dragon's eyes shot open, their crystalline glow casting eerie reflections across the icy walls.
Its gaze was unrelenting, penetrating their very souls and anchoring them in place. The cohort froze, as though the weight of an ancient, primordial power pressed down upon their chests. The dragon exuded a presence that felt both magnificent and malevolent, its aura heavy with centuries of untamed strength.
The creature raised its head, the elegant, frost-like patterns on its body shimmering like a living tapestry. It exhaled softly, and a wave of icy air spread through the cavern. Sasha instinctively stepped back, her breath visible in the now-freezing atmosphere.
"We need to move collect the scales and leave!" Kaguya's voice broke through the oppressive silence. Though he tried to remain calm, even he couldn't mask the tremor in his tone.
Mathew was the first to respond. Blue flames erupted across his body, a defiant contrast to the surrounding cold. The fire seemed to push back the frost as he darted forward, each step purposeful and precise. He began gathering the shimmering scales littered across the ground, his hands moving quickly as though time itself were against him.
Sasha hesitated, her hands trembling as she clutched the bag she'd brought for the scales. "Mathew..." she whispered, her voice barely audible over the faint hum of the dragon's breathing.
"Focus!" Clive barked, though his voice betrayed his own fear. He joined Mathew, his movements swift and calculated, his innate magic allowing him to sense and evade danger even as the dragon began to stir.
The dragon shifted, its massive claws scraping against the icy floor, sending sparks of frost into the air. The temperature plummeted further, the very breath in their lungs turning to mist. Frost formed on the walls and their armor, and the biting cold became nearly unbearable.
Mathew pressed on, managing to collect fifteen scales. His flames flickered and dimmed under the relentless cold, but he turned to Sasha and forced a faint smile. His face was pale, his movements sluggish, but he tossed her the small leather bag containing the scales.
"Go. Don't stop," he said, his voice calm despite the fear in his eyes.
It was the last thing he said.
A low, guttural growl rumbled from the dragon as its massive form shifted. Then, with a sound like cracking glaciers, it exhaled. A torrent of icy wind exploded from its mouth, engulfing the cavern. The temperature dropped instantly, the air filling with shards of frost and a deafening roar.
Mathew, caught in the blast, froze mid-step. His blue flames extinguished in an instant, and his body crystallized. The light in his eyes dimmed as his form shattered into a thousand glittering fragments that scattered across the cavern floor.
"Mathew!" Sasha screamed, clutching the bag of scales to her chest as tears streamed down her cheeks. Her voice echoed through the cavern, but there was no answer.
"Run!" Kaguya commanded, his crimson Tenagen eyes glowing fiercely as he tried to guide the group.
The dragon roared, its claws carving through the icy cavern walls like a predator toying with prey. The ground trembled with each of its movements. Sasha stumbled, her boots slipping on the frost-slick ground. The dragon's massive claw descended toward her, a lethal blow imminent.
Clive acted without hesitation. His magic surged as he pushed her aside, throwing her out of harm's way. The dragon's claw tore through his arm, severing it cleanly. Clive collapsed to the ground, clutching his bleeding shoulder as he gasped in agony.
"Go! Don't stop!" he shouted, his voice raw with pain.
Sasha, trembling and struggling to suppress her sobs, pulled Clive to his feet. Blood from his wound stained the icy ground as they staggered after Kaguya, who had taken the lead. The dragon roared again, its icy breath chasing them through the twisting tunnels.
Kaguya's mind raced, his crimson Tenagen glowing brighter as he scanned the area for a way out. The tunnels ahead twisted and forked unpredictably, and the dragon's relentless pursuit left them with little time to think.
Then, something caught his eye—a faint light emanating from a nearby tunnel. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it resonated with him in a way he couldn't explain. Compelled by an overwhelming sense of familiarity, Kaguya veered off the main path.
"Kaguya! Where are you going?" Sasha cried, her voice hoarse from screaming.
He didn't answer. The sound of the dragon's roar grew louder behind them.