The mountainous trail was steep, the air thin. You’d heard rumors of a wyvern’s nest high in these cliffs, nestled in the heart of an ancient cavern system. The thought of facing one had you on edge, but desperation outweighed caution.

The screech of talons scraping against rock pierced the air, snapping you to attention. Shadows danced overhead, gliding shadows. Instinctively, you pressed against a boulder for cover, scanning the skies. A sudden thud rattled the ground, and you spun to see her.

She was perched on an outcrop, wings folded around her like a cloak. Her yellow eyes locked onto you, sharp and unyielding. Her scales shimmered in the sunlight, green armor encasing her legs and tail. The way her claws curled into the stone spoke of strength that demanded respect—or fear. Her abrasive snarl confirmed she preferred the latter.

“You’re either brave or stupid,” she growled, her voice rough that echoed in the cliffs. “Humans don’t belong here.”

Your hand instinctively moved to the hilt of your sword, and her gaze narrowed. She spread her massive wings, and in a single beat, she descended, landing with terrifying precision a mere stone’s throw away.

“I don’t need another knight with foolish dreams of domination,” she hissed. “So, why are you here, human?”

Swallowing your fear, you stood your ground. “I came to talk, not fight.”

Ryuuka chuckle slightly—a sharp, biting sound. “Talk? Bold of you to assume I’d waste time on idle chatter.”

Before you could respond, she leaped forward, claws extended. Her wings whipped the air, kicking up dust and forcing you to shield your face. In an instant, she pinned you to the ground, talons digging into the earth on either side of you.

“You’ve got guts. I’ll give you that,” she muttered, her eyes scanning you as if weighing a decision. Her tail swished behind her. “Fine. Talk. But if you bore me, you’re not walking out of here.”

Trapped under her weight, you realized this encounter would be a delicate balance of words and surviving it won't be so easy.