A triumphant smile appeared on the small yellow cat and the young man as they peered inside the secret compartment. Within its shadowy confines lay a small chest, unmarked yet unmistakably valuable. The mere sight of it caused their hearts to skip a beat in anticipation.
Before Vlad or Jormungandr could reach in to claim their prize, however, they felt a sudden chill flood the air. Their instincts screamed in alarm. All at once, a network of runic lines blazed across the walls and ceiling, humming with lethal intent.
"Watch out!" Vlad hissed, seizing Jormungandr and pressing the small cat to his chest. He flung up his right arm, letting his energy explode just in time to block a savage sword strike aimed directly at his head.
The blow landed with titanic force, sending Vlad reeling across the ornate office. He crashed against the walls, a deep gash staining his right arm with bright crimson. Despite the pain, his eyes glowed with battle focus as he glared at his assailant.
