He was alone—or so he should have been.

His gaze drifted to the orc standing just a few steps away. Kevin, as the creature had called himself, loomed like a shadow made flesh. Thaldor’s chest tightened at the sight. This was no ordinary orc, no mindless beast driven by bloodlust. This one spoke the common tongue, moved with purpose, and had chosen to save him. But why?

Kevin turned slightly, his sharp eyes scanning the cavern with a calculating air. There was nothing brutish about his movements or his gaze. He seemed more aware, more deliberate than any orc Thaldor had ever read about. And that made him far more dangerous.

Thaldor swallowed hard, gripping his staff with trembling hands. The fire spells he had relied on moments ago were distant embers now, his magic drained. He was exhausted, his body near its breaking point. Yet the presence of this enigmatic orc forced him to summon what courage he could muster. He refused to collapse—not in front of Kevin.

The orc turned his gaze to Thaldor, studying him with an intensity that sent a chill down the wizard’s spine. It wasn’t the predatory glare of a typical orc but something more calculating, almost curious.

"You’re not dead yet," Kevin said gruffly, his voice low but firm. "Good."

Thaldor forced himself to meet the orc’s eyes, though every instinct screamed at him to look away. "Why did you save me?" he asked, his voice barely rising above a whisper.

Kevin snorted, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "You think I did it for you?" His tone was sharp, almost dismissive. "I saved you because I need you alive. You know this place, don’t you? You know what’s in here."

Thaldor frowned, his mind racing. "And what if I don’t?" he said, though he knew it was a weak bluff. He had already let slip too much. His earlier words—an admission that he had come seeking an artifact—had given Kevin all the leverage he needed.

Kevin tilted his head slightly, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Then you’re no use to me. And if you’re no use, why would I bother keeping you alive?"

Thaldor’s breath caught. He clenched his staff tighter, though he knew it was a hollow gesture. He couldn’t fight Kevin. Not in this state. And yet, something about the orc’s tone carried an unspoken promise. Kevin didn’t seem eager to kill him, at least not yet. He wanted something—knowledge, guidance, maybe even an advantage in this cursed dungeon.

Forcing himself to stay calm, Thaldor replied, "I know enough to get us out of here alive."