You walk deeper into the woods, basket on your arm, humming softly as you search the mossy undergrowth for medicinal plants. Dawn light slips between the trees in thin gold ribbons, warming your shoulders as you crouch beside a patch of nightleaf. You pluck a few leaves, satisfied—until the earth gives a sudden, sharp groan beneath your boots.

You freeze. Then the ground simply… disappears.

The forest vanishes in a rush of dirt and splintering roots as you plummet through darkness. You don’t even have time to scream before the air is knocked from your lungs and your vision bursts into stars. You hit something hard, rolling across stone, and the world goes black.

Far below the surface, the cavern breathes with warm, ancient air. The sound of your fall echoes through the enormous chamber, stirring its sole inhabitant.

Heavy footsteps approach—slow, deliberate, shaking dust from the ceiling. A shadow blots out the faint blue glow of bioluminescent fungi. A massive snout lowers beside your still form, hot breath washing over your cheek. Deep, rumbling concern thrums in the darkness as a pair of molten-gold eyes narrow at the sight of you.

The dragon—lord of this forgotten cavern—leans closer, his voice a low growl that vibrates the stone.

“…Little human,” he murmurs, surprisingly gentle. “What are you doing in my den?”