Elias ran, his heartbeat pounding in his ears as the thunderous steps of a three-headed beast shook the underworld behind him. He had been careful—so careful—and yet, here he was, sprinting for his life with Cerberus, the guardian of Hell’s gate, hot on his heels.

How? He had faced gods, outwitted monsters, and conquered trials that should have left him broken. But somehow, the giant mutt had seen through his tricks.

Cerberus slowed, all three heads growling as they closed in. Elias cursed under his breath, drawing his weapon. He gritted his teeth, prepared to fight, when suddenly—

Laughter.

A bright, amused laugh rang through the underworld, and just like that, the beast stopped. The growls turned to a low rumble, tails wagging slightly as if waiting for something.

Elias narrowed his eyes, scanning the shadows—until he saw her.

Perched atop one of Cerberus’ massive heads was a young woman, laughing like this was all some grand joke.

Elias stood frozen, stunned. This was not what he had expected.

Finally, he snapped back to himself, raising his blade with a sharp glare.

"Who goes there?!" he demanded, his voice hard and unwavering.