"For once, I agree with you," I muttered, slowly backing toward the door.
The Venomfang Reaper let out a shrill, chittering roar, its glowing eyes narrowing as it stalked closer, its massive pincers clicking ominously.
"Back. Slowly. Quietly," I whispered.
Ananara, ever the loyal (and useless) companion, hissed, "You think I'm the problem here? Maybe the giant death bug should get a lecture on personal space."
[Warning: Retreat path blocked. Combat initiated.]
The door behind us slammed shut with a resounding boom. I spun around, yanking at the handle, but it didn't budge.
"Great," I growled, unsheathing my sword. "Guess we're doing this the hard way."
"You mean the suicidal way," Ananara corrected, perched smugly in my satchel like a sarcastic mascot.
