He didn't run; he cut in.
Step—step.
The left claw of the Netherbreed scythed—SKREE—missing him by a hand as sparks stitched silver through the fog of heat and ash.
The blow carved a groove in the dirt and peppered his cheek with grit.
From above, Vasa fell like a dropped shadow.
THWIP—THWIP—THWIP!
Feathers snapped into place around its brow and throat. The air seemed to bend as the feathers locked together into a tight black collar.
WHUMPF!
The feather collar caught the lunge and threw the heat back over its skull like a shield slamming shut.
The beast checked hard, stunned mid‑stride.
Kieran stepped through the shimmer.
He swung, this time with unrestrained strength. Both blades came down hard on the plates.
CLANG—CLANG! Sparks burst!
Kieran drove a boot into the jaw hinge and hacked a heavy cross‑cut across the brow.
KRUNCH!
The beast's head snapped sideways, heat flaring wild. The hum spiked; the glow flared, then wavered under the hits.
