Axelius and Owen made their way closer to the river, the steady rush of water filling the silence between the roars and stomps of orcs working behind them.
Axelius crouched low, watching Owen slither along the damp soil.
"So," Axelius asked, one brow raised, "you can't mimic anymore? You're stuck as Nargacrypta then?"
Owen paused mid-slither, coiling up a little before nodding, his glassy black scales glinting faintly in the light.
"Yeah," he admitted, "I can't turn into other creatures like before. My mimic skill… it's gone." He lifted his head with a sly grin, his tongue flickering. "But—I can copy the abilities of the creatures I've eaten. That part stayed. Awesome, right?"
Axelius tilted his head, thoughtful, then leaned back with a grin. "Not bad. You traded in being a jack-of-all-trades for… something a little sharper. Makes sense."
Owen gave a little hiss of excitement, then suddenly darted forward, slithering faster than Axelius expected.
