I lunged at the male Indoraptor, driving him into the cold obsidian wall with a thunderous crash. The impact reverberated through the chamber as he grunted, his claws digging into the ground to steady himself. With a sneer, he shrugged me off effortlessly, sending me sprawling onto my back. The wind rushed out of me, but I rolled to my feet in one fluid motion, my fiery red eyes narrowing at him.

He stood tall, exuding a calm, predatory confidence. His yellow-striped flank gleamed faintly in the dim light, his smirk only deepening as he wiped a streak of blood from his claws. "You really are the beast that Rexy said you were," he taunted, his voice smooth yet laced with mockery.

At the mention of Rexy, a flicker of recognition and anger flared in my chest. My quills bristled as I bared my teeth, stepping forward deliberately, each movement echoing the feral power coursing through me. "If you know Rexy," I growled, "you should know this: I don't take kindly to threats or invaders."

His chuckle was low and guttural, the sound of a predator amused by a challenge. "Invader?" he echoed, tilting his head mockingly. "Oh no, dear Onyx, I'm not just any invader. I am your mirror, your equal—perhaps even your better."

With that, he crouched, his muscles coiling like a spring, ready to strike again. The air between us grew taut with tension, the promise of a brutal, primal clash hanging heavily over the room.

The male Indoraptor lunged, his claws extended and his teeth glinting like daggers in the dim light. But I was faster. I ducked beneath his strike, pivoting with precision, and raked my claws along his exposed underbelly. His shriek of pain echoed through the courtyard as he collapsed in a heap near the foot of the grand staircase, his breaths ragged and shallow.

I stalked toward him, each step deliberate, my crimson eyes locked onto his fallen form. The air was thick with the scent of blood and tension, my own low growl rumbling like distant thunder. I stood over him, jaws slightly ajar, letting my hot breath ghost across his neck. He flinched but couldn't muster the strength to rise.

"I shouldn't kill you now," I murmured, my voice a venomous whisper, dripping with restrained fury. My teeth gleamed in the faint light as I added, "And I won't."

Leaning in, I sank my fangs into the precise pressure point at the base of his neck. He stiffened for a moment, then his body went limp, the unconscious state overtaking him almost instantly. Without hesitation, I grabbed him by his nape and flung him toward the waiting guards, his limp form skidding to a halt at their feet.

"Bring him to the dungeons," I commanded, my tone cold and resolute. "He'll live out the rest of his days there, far away from anything he could destroy." My tail lashed once before I turned and began to stalk off, my posture regal yet laced with an unmistakable predatory edge.

The guards exchanged uncertain glances, stunned into silence by my decree. Vasago stepped forward, his feathers ruffling as he assessed the scene. He offered a sly smile, his tone laced with grudging respect. "Well done, Your Highness. The eggs are safe, though personally..." His gaze flicked to the crumpled Indoraptor on the ground. "I'd have preferred him bleeding out here on the floor where we can see him."

I glanced over my shoulder, meeting Vasago's eyes briefly before continuing my retreat into the obsidian halls. The weight of my authority pressed down on the room, leaving no room for further debate.