Granator could smell them. Could smell their distinctive scent, different from that of every other animal in the kingdom. Although the scent of fear was almost universal among prey animals, a stronger stench overpowered it with these beings. It was almost predator-like; a strong, meaty aroma that wafted through the air and assaulted your senses.

He slowly crept along the dark tunnel, breathing softly so as not to disturb the creatures. He could hear their voices, low and mumbling. As he got closer to them, his powerful sense of smell could determine 5 separate, though similar scents. Two were very alike, with the sweet fear smell overpowering the animalistic odour, and when they spoke, their high-pitched voices further showed their fear.

Although he didn’t understand their language, Granator could sense their emotions and knew one was the alpha, in charge of the pack. The fear scent was non-existent with him and his voice was low yet strong. And the last two were a mixture of courage, fear, and excitement.

Granator crept closer and closer, until he could see the creatures, dark silhouettes glowing from the light of their light machines. These were much less dangerous to Granator than the fire sticks he’d seen being used by some of the other creatures.

He was growing more impatient and hungry by the moment. It was time to announce his presence. Granator raised one of his scaly, muscular arms towards the tunnel wall. He paused, his talons almost touching the mossy stone. He slowly dragged his claws down the side of the rock tunnel, making a scraping, screeching sound. The creatures stopped talking instantly and their light machines went dark. Granator smiled to himself in the darkness, his night vision now enhanced. He drew back on his haunches and pounced.