Century Fire
The cavern sprawled out before him, an unending vastness. Squinted eyes pierced into the dark folds of rock, seeking those that would shorten his journey. The breath, low, strong deep draws, billowed outward, hanging in the thick air for a stale eternity before drifting up toward the rimy ceiling some immeasurable distance above.
The head turned slightly and the ears twitched, attempting to pick up the slightest vibration. A foul breath billowed from the passage behind him, wrapping around his lithe figure, almost embracing him. One small, purposeful step forward and black fire began to leap between the fingers of his right hand. The flesh there, already scorched black, the nails gone centuries ago, felt none of this. It was reflex, an instinctual response to the approach of a nemesis…someone who would dare keep him from his goal.