Annan looked around the cavern. Nothing stood out.
Caves like this dotted the Graypeak Mountains, and Ratfolk were born diggers. They had no choice but to ignore the rats underground. Free City was far stronger than it used to be; a small Rat Swarm posed no threat.
But those iron cages...
Annan examined the bones inside. The dead all wore the clothes of Mercenaries and hunters. They must have been unlucky, hoping to earn a living only to be caught by Ratfolk.
Strangely, though, they seemed to have been held for interrogation... What had the Ratfolk wanted to learn from them?
Something felt wrong. To Ratfolk, waste was a disgrace. Why lock food in cages and let it die? Unless the Ratfolk hadn't done this?
Annan looked away. "Let's get out of here. My people are right—"
A clatter of footsteps from the cave cut him off. A squad of Elite Rats rushed in.
They saw no sign of their new master, the Black Dragon—only two frail humans by the shore. Bloodlust took over, and they closed in.
Black Pearl was surprised and delighted. Now she could hide behind her prince and let him protect her—
But as the thought crossed her mind, she realized Annan was gone from her side. A figure pressed against her back.
"Princess, what do we do? The enemy's here!"
"I-I... Shouldn't I be the one saying that?" Black Pearl stammered.
Annan ignored her and egged her on from behind. "Turn into an Evil Dragon and take them out!"
"My prince, you'd hate how fearsome I look..."
"How could I? A powerful, ruthless Black Dragon? I'd love that!"
"Really?"
His words were like a princess's cry for help from a high cliff, filling Black Pearl with strength—even though she was the one playing the princess.