Arthur settled into a ready stance, his breath coming easier now despite the pain in his side. The darkness around him seemed to pulse in rhythm with his heartbeat, responding to his newfound connection. With each passing second, he felt more attuned to his abilities, more aware of the potential that existed within him.
The Nightreaver circled warily, searching for an opening. Arthur tracked its movement without turning his head, his Dark Sense painting a perfect three-dimensional map of his surroundings. When the creature finally attacked again—this time from above—Arthur was ready.
His blade met the Nightreaver's descent with deadly precision, cutting through wing membrane and sinew. The creature's momentum carried it past him, crashing into the field of dead roses several feet away.
