Cavern of the Abominations    

Horizon had refused to form a [Blood Contract] with the harpies, his instincts warning him against it.

He knew too well the dangers that came with such a pact.

Blood Contracts were always riddled with loopholes, hidden traps that either party could exploit. It was a gamble—one that could twist promises into deadly bargains.

No matter how desperate the harpies had seemed, Horizon wasn't about to bind himself to something so dangerous.

He wasn't naïve. If things went wrong, death wouldn't just be a temporary setback—it would be the end. No revival, no second chances. His life, his mission, everything, would be erased in an instant.

There were risks he was willing to take. But that? Never.

Von stared at the mutilated corpse, a frown creasing his brow. "That didn't look like a normal Lizardfolk," he said, his eyes lingering on the twisted, decaying body.