Strax felt each wingbeat burning his muscles, but he couldn't slow down. The Kraken, though retreated by several meters, hadn't given up. The water around him continued to bubble, as if breathing. The dragon's every movement sent vibrations through the sea, and he knew the creature felt every pulse. There was no room for error.
Suddenly, a tentacle erupted from his right side, kicking up a wave so high that Strax had to lean forward and dive to avoid it. The tip of the sucker grazed his left wing, tearing away a layer of scales and leaving a red trail across the membrane. He roared in pain, but this only increased his adrenaline. The creature was testing its limits, probing for weaknesses.
