Dylan gulped a mouthful of air, his lungs burning as if he had swallowed fire. His muscles quivered beneath his skin, a shiver of adrenaline running down his spine. This time, he wouldn't back down. This time, he would shatter that mocking smile.
His feet rooted into the soft earth, and with a sharp thrust he hurled himself forward. Dirt scattered beneath his steps, each stride resounding like the beat of a war drum. He had no staff, no weapon, only his fists, his body, his rage.
He dropped his shoulder, feinted left, then suddenly straightened to strike directly at Julius's face, his fist armed with brutal determination. The air hissed around its path, as though the blow had sworn to hit its mark or die trying.
Julius didn't flinch. His clear gaze followed every motion, calculating, dissecting. At the very last instant, the giant shifted slightly, slipping his jaw just out of range. The strike shattered nothing but air, bursting like glass.
