Aleron staggered, the force of the last blow ringing through his bones like a war drum. His golden light flickered dangerously, on the verge of collapse. But his eyes remained steady, unwavering in their resolve.
He spat out a thick mouthful of blood, the coppery taste sharp on his tongue, and narrowed his gaze.
Enough was enough.
Drawing a deep breath, he extended his trembling hand. The ground beneath him trembled violently in response. Shards of broken metal scattered across the battlefield quivered, then shot into the air, pulled by an unseen force as they gathered at his fingertips.
A crimson glint flashed in his eyes. It was faint, but it burned with fury. Aleron could not afford to wait for the creature to kill him. He had to retaliate. He had to end it.
The creature snarled and lunged again, but this time, Aleron moved with calculated precision.
