A manticore...

Without hesitation, Adrian grasped the handle and heaved. The door creaked open with a groan, and the moment the seal broke, a foul odor rushed out, thick and putrid.

Selene gagged, covering her nose. "What is that?"

Before Adrian could answer, a low, guttural growl echoed from within the darkness. It was a sound that sent chills down both of their spines.

Slowly, they stepped forward, the dim light from Adrian's palm casting long shadows on the walls.

As their eyes adjusted, they saw it—a creature unlike anything they had ever seen.

It stood at the far end of the chamber, its massive form hulking in the darkness. The creature had the body of a powerful lion, rippled with muscle. Its head, however, was grotesquely human—twisted, with sharp, jagged teeth and glowing, malevolent eyes.

From its back extended a long, scorpion-like tail, the tip dripping with venom.

"A manticore," Adrian whispered, his voice tight with recognition.