Chapter Five

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Waking up at dawn in my cramped cave, I groggily turn towards the entrance, only to bang my shoulder painfully against the wall. Ouch! It's time to find a new den; I've outgrown this one. Crouching down, I slowly make my way out into the chilly morning air. The first snowflakes begin to fall, and the trees are shedding their leaves in preparation for winter. I need a new den, one that's easily defendable with at least two exits.

Before I search, I head down to the stream to get a drink and examine myself. I have wings now, and along my back is a row of spikes. My tail and neck are both more powerful and more flexible. My eyes look like miniature storms in a midnight blue sky. My evolution is perfect, but not well suited for cramped caves.

I navigate through the forest with ease, save for a brief encounter with a lone gnoll that ended in its defeat. Finally, I stumble upon the perfect den - a ruined temple-like structure nestled against a cliff, surrounded by dome-like buildings in disrepair, one of which could accommodate even me. This location is ideal; the clear surroundings offer a clear view of any approaching enemies.

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Exploring the dusty main room, webs clinging to every surface, I realize with a bit of cleaning this will make a suitable den. Venturing into the other rooms, I find a couple that could serve as storage.

"What are you doing here?!" a voice hissed behind me. I spun around to see a small, grayish-black female cat standing in the entrance, her eyes narrowed in warning. "This is my place!"

I arched an eyebrow. "Oh really?" I challenged. "Then why is it so dusty in here? I bet you just found it, like me!" The cat looked around guiltily before hissing again.

"Well, I was here first! Leave now!" Her tone was demanding and authoritative, but I couldn't help but smirk in response.

"As if you could make me, pipsqueak!" I retorted.

The cat approached me, growing in size with each step until she stood nose to nose with me. Her silver eyes bore into mine, daring me to make a move. I whimpered, cowering before her powerful presence.

"Maybe I'll leave now..." I muttered, inching away towards the door. The cat relaxed, allowing me to slip past her towards the exit. But just as I thought I was in the clear, a sudden flash of light illuminated the sky, striking the ground in front of the temple.