Clayton couldn't help but scrutinize the two groups approaching from a distance.
From what he observed, the once neat and noble-looking individuals now bore no trace of their former elegance. Apparently, they'd been fighting not just the skeletal minions Clayton had left behind—but each other as well.
To Clayton, that was good news. It meant they still hadn't formed an alliance.
Acting quickly, he positioned himself on the opposite side of the area, putting the monster between himself and the incoming groups. His plan was simple: if anyone was going to walk into that beast's jaws, it sure wasn't going to be him. He executed the strategy while staying alert for any sign of the stone-scaled serpent.
After a short while, his preparations were complete—just in time, too. His pursuers were beginning to approach.
But as they charged toward him, their feet suddenly halted mid-stride—as if they'd slammed into an invisible wall. Clayton quickly realized: he was still inside the dome.
