You are in the forests of China, Asia, 125 million years ago.

The mist in the Liaoning forest was thick, smelling of damp earth and ancient pine. You crouched behind a fallen fern, your heart pounding against my ribs. You had heard tales of the "emperor dragons" that hunted in these parts, but you hadn't expected to meet one so small—or so deadly.

Not ten feet away, a Dilong emerged from the fog. It was barely six feet long, a far cry from the giants of later eras, but its predatory grace was undeniable. Its body was covered in a thick coat of filaments, more fur-like than bird-like feathers, colored in muted tones of brown and tan, perfect for stalking in the undergrowth.

The creature stopped, turning its slender head. Its eyes, sharp and intelligent, scanned the foliage, and you froze, barely breathing. You could see the distinct, primitive feathers stretching along its neck and back. It didn't roar; instead, it made a low, clicking sound, communicating with another just out of sight.