For a moment, the entire cavern fell deathly silent. Only the faint ripples across the golden pool proved that what had just happened was no illusion.
"Get back! Everyone, get back!"
Jason Lannister shouted sharply and hurriedly drew his longsword.
Only then did the knights snap out of their daze and scramble backward. Some even dropped the objects in their hands that had already turned to gold, as though they had suddenly become burning coals.
But the true horror had only just begun. The center of the golden pool began to churn violently as an enormous shape rapidly took form. Liquid gold gathered and molded itself as if alive, gradually assuming the outline of a lion.
First came the massive head, then the powerful forelegs, and finally the complete body. Its entire form gleamed with gold, every strand of its mane like a finely wrought golden thread. Its eyes were two enormous rubies, glowing blood-red in the firelight.
"Oryxos..."
Danyla softly spoke the name, then said warmly,
"Golden Lion, stop teasing them. I came to help you, so you won't be forced into slumber again."
The giant lion emerged fully from the golden pool and shook itself. Countless golden droplets sprayed from its mane, striking the ground with clear metallic chimes. It was larger even than the biggest warhorse, and every step left a molten golden print in the stone floor.
"Lannister..."
The Golden Lion's voice sounded like hundreds upon hundreds of gold coins clinking together, its metallic tones carrying an eerie echo.
"You have finally come."
Cold sweat seeped into Jason Lannister's palms, but he forced himself to stand straight and face the creature of legend.
"I am Jason Lannister, Duke of Casterly Rock."
He struggled to keep his voice from trembling.
"In the name of my bloodline, I