Ramses POV
We huddled behind the cluster of boulders at the bottom of the ravine, breathing like dying bulls. My leg felt like it had been chewed up and spat out by a pack of hyenas. Blood pooled under me, sticky and warm, mixing with the dried mucus that made my skin feel like it was wrapped in rotting glue. Every small movement pulled at the crust, stinging like fresh salt in open wounds. The bent horn on my head throbbed so badly I wanted to rip it off. But we were alive. For now.
The Likanos warriors reached the bottom of the ravine, their colorful skirts swishing loudly against the rocks. I pressed a bloody hand over the monitor lizard's mouth as he started to groan again. The rhino crouched beside me, his thick side still leaking dark blood, but he managed a weak grin despite everything.
"Boss," he whispered, voice rough, "if we die here… at least we'll go out covered in clown piss. Never thought I'd die smelling like a cheap perfume stall."
