Nikolai's wounds didn't magically heal, nor did the pain vanish. However, the aura that struggled to endure under Killian's pressure became sharper, refining itself. He gritted his teeth while forcing the violent aura to flow through his blood, muscles and bones despite the sharp pain.
Every nerve felt like molten wire, ribs shifting with each breath, broken pieces grinding together. His arms trembled, scorched from within, but instead of collapsing, the black flames became stronger, cleaner and more refined.
This is it... this is the wall!
Killian's confusion faded as his eyes widened.
"No! It cannot be!"
In a blur of crimson mist, he attacked.
His claws raked across Nikolai's chest, tearing open skin, but this time the wolf didn't fly back. He planted his feet deep into the blood-soaked sand, his aura crackling violently around him.
The crowd gasped, on the edge of their seats.
