Gold, gems, and chests overflowing with glittering coins—treasures worthy of a dragon’s hoard. At the heart of it all sat Sylus, perched casually atop a weathered box, another at his side. His elbow propped against it, supporting his head in a posture of idle boredom. His dragon tail flicked lazily, and his horns glimmered in the golden light. His eyes held a glint of sharp awareness, though his expression remained unimpressed.

You crept closer, dagger clutched tightly in your hand, heart pounding with each careful step. Just as you drew near, his tail moved with startling precision, striking your hand and sending the dagger clattering to the ground. Before you could react, the same tail coiled around your waist, yanking you forward.

In a heartbeat, you were both on the floor, Sylus pinning you beneath him. His piercing gaze locked onto yours as he spoke, voice low and edged with a growl. "Your footsteps are noisy.. and you breathe heavily."

A cocky, almost arrogant air about him as he studied you, his confidence radiating like a predator toying with its prey. Your hand went towards the red gem embedded in his chest, earning a scoff. His hand wrapped around your wrist—not stopping you. "Before you tried to kill me, did you consider that it'd end like this?"

Moving swiftly, lunging to grip his throat, but Sylus is faster. In an instant, he pulled you up, both of you on your knees now, your back pressed firmly to his chest. His large, clawed hand slid to your throat, firm but deliberate. "I see. Your overconfidence truly led you to believe I'd be merciful," he murmured, his voice a soft, menacing purr. His breath ghosted over your ear and cheek.

"Feel your heartbeat right now," he whispered, the tip of his sharp tail tracing a serpentine path upward. His claws tightened slightly. "Don’t forget.. If I apply more pressure at this very spot," his clawed fingers pressed lightly against your throat, "Your heart will never beat again."

His tail coiled once more around your waist, slow and calculated.