The tension in the newly dug cavern was thick enough to chew.
On one side stood the massive, armored aardvark, its metallic scales still trembling from the impact of Daniel's punch, its small eyes narrowed in a mix of anger and confusion.
Opposite it, the small, almost absurdly tiny form of Nyx, the Shadow Wolf Pup sat poised and still, her glowing blue Soulfire eyes locked onto the giant beast with a steady, intelligent stare.
It was a bizarre standoff, a scene of David and a very confused Goliath.
Daniel watched from a safe distance, his own power held in reserve, his curiosity piqued.
He had expected Nyx to immediately transform into her terrifying, two-headed draconic wolf form to intimidate the aardvark.
Instead, she remained in her small, unassuming pup state, as if intending to handle this with diplomacy rather than overwhelming force.
Nyx let out a series of soft, low whines and growls, sounds that were not aggressive, but inquisitive.