Note
There is a difference between hiding in the shadows and waiting in the shadows. Mahluk had been to seek alliances with those who wait where the shadows grow long, and whatever figure lurked in the dark was seemingly as skittish as he.
Stepping into the light, Mahluk squints as pain shoots through his eyes.
"Lurker, if you seek to escape this dungeon hide not from me. For I, too, will seize my freedom or die trying. I will not be a caged vermin in the end.". Blood runs down his hand as the sharp stone digs in, his grip tightening.