I wasn't sure how long I sat there, catching my breath while the Dawnhound rested. My companion snored softly beside me, tail flicking now and then. The guide stone, still warm in my hand, pulsed gently, like the heartbeat of the cave itself.
But something stirred in the back of my mind—a nudge, faint but insistent. The Dawnhound shifted, its golden eyes flickering open. It rose to its feet, stretching with a low rumble that sent vibrations through the floor. Then, without a sound, it turned and padded toward the far end of the chamber, where shadows pooled like spilled ink.
"Where are you going?" I muttered, pulling myself up. My companion rose too, ears twitching as it glanced between me and the massive beast. I followed, the guide stone's pulse growing stronger as if urging me forward.
The Dawnhound stopped at a jagged section of the wall, its obsidian hide blending into the darkness. For a moment, I thought it had led me to a dead end. But then it stepped closer, pressing its massive paw against the stone. The surface shimmered, rippling like water, before the wall melted away, revealing a narrow passage.
I swallowed hard. "Of course. Secret passage. Why not?"
The Dawnhound glanced back, its glowing eyes sharp and expectant. My companion growled softly, but I gave it a reassuring pat. "We've come this far," I said, mostly to myself. "What's a little more adventure?"
The passage was barely wide enough for the Dawnhound to squeeze through, its spines brushing against the walls. I followed, the space tightening around me like a clenched fist. The air grew colder, the smell of damp earth and something metallic filling my nose. My companion stayed close, its low growls echoing faintly.
The ground sloped downward, the walls widening until we emerged into a cavern so vast it felt like stepping into a different world. Stalactites hung from the ceiling like fangs, glimmering with faint bioluminescence. Pools of water reflected the dim light, casting eerie ripples onto the rocky walls. And then I saw them.
Skeletons.
Dozens of them, scattered across the cavern floor. Some were slumped against the walls, others sprawled mid-step, as if they had collapsed while trying to flee. Rusted weapons and shattered armor lay among the bones, their metal warped and useless.
My chest tightened. "Guess they didn't have a Dawnhound."
The beast in question padded forward, unbothered by the grim scene. It stopped near a pile of bones, nudging something with its massive paw. The sound of metal scraping stone echoed through the cavern. I hesitated, glancing at my companion before stepping closer.
Beneath the skeleton's hand was a shield, unlike any I'd ever seen. Its surface was blackened, the metal etched with glowing runes that pulsed faintly, like embers in a dying fire. Beside it lay a sword, the blade sharp and pristine despite the rusted scabbard. The hilt was wrapped in worn leather, and more runes shimmered along its length.
The Dawnhound huffed, nudging the shield closer. The message was clear.
"These?" I asked, kneeling beside the relics. My fingers brushed the shield's surface, and a jolt of energy shot through me. The runes flared brighter, responding to my touch. I picked it up, surprised by how light it felt despite its size. The sword was the same—balanced, deadly, and strangely warm in my grip.
I turned to the Dawnhound. "You're just full of surprises, aren't you?"
It rumbled in response, then motioned with its head toward the far end of the cavern. There, partially hidden by shadows, was another passage.
I glanced back at the skeletons. The grim reality of their fate settled over me like a shroud. "They couldn't find a way out," I said quietly. "Could they?"
The Dawnhound didn't respond, but its eyes met mine, steady and unwavering. It wasn't just showing me the way—it was offering me a choice. Move forward, armed with new strength, or stay here and join the bones of those who had failed.
I tightened my grip on the sword, the runes glowing brighter as if sensing my resolve. "Alright," I said, standing tall. "Lead the way."
The Dawnhound turned, its massive form blending into the darkness as it moved toward the next passage. My companion trotted beside me, its spines bristling with anticipation. The guide stone pulsed in my pocket, its warmth a steady reminder of the bond that had brought me this far.
I didn't know what lay ahead. More traps? More monsters? Maybe something worse. But for the first time since I'd entered this cursed cave, I felt ready.