The Chimera let out a horrifying roar. It took a step, its massive, mismatched feet crushing the stone floor. Its many red eyes fixed on the screaming crowd in the stands. It was a predator, just set loose in a cage full of helpless prey
In the center of the chaos, Jonah and Ariana stood frozen for a second. Their duel, their rivalry, the whole tournament, simply disappeared. All that remained was the monster.
Without a single word, they turned. Their backs met. They were no longer rivals. They were the only thing standing between the monster and thousands of innocent lives.
"The plates on its left side is weaker," Jonah said, his voice a low. His Weaver's senses were already dissecting the creature, reading its flawed, chaotic biology. "The plates don't overlap properly. That's its weak point."
Ariana didn't question him. She didn't even look. "Then that is where I will strike," she replied. A long, glowing spear made of pure light appeared in her hands.
