Hotter Than Fire
I point to the scattered piles of straw littering the edges of the cave, then gesture toward the narrow opening where I first crawled in. My eyes lock with Esme’s, and she nods, understanding instantly. We collect the straw with trembling hands, carefully dragging each bundle to the entrance in strained silence. The stench of sweat and filth lingers in the air, mingling with the scent of smoke from their fire. Every step feels like an eternity, with the goblins’ guttural snores masking the gentle rustle of the straw. I steal a glance at the hulking figures scattered throughout the cave, their twisted forms illuminated by firelight. One of them stirs, and I freeze, holding my breath until its snores resume. The pile grows slowly, each dry, brittle layer added with painstaking care. My fingers …