At the mouth of the chamber a cat stood on its haunches, ribs glowing orange-red, fire licking at its open mouth. Jones disengaged, jumped to his feet and cried, ‘Run!’ at the actress, and this time she did, dropping the gates at her feet. Judging the cat to be the more dangerous enemy, Jones followed to cover her back. The creature sent a spout of flame after them, but did not follow. Its flanks reverted to bone and fur.
