The skeletal dragon's emergence from the mountain's depths sent shockwaves through both armies as ancient bone and accumulated death energy formed a creature that dwarfed even Thorgrim's massive bear form. Centuries of mithril mining had disturbed burial grounds that predated the Ironmaw Clan's territorial claims, and Lucas had spent months channeling that accumulated necromantic potential into this singular moment of overwhelming force.
Thorgrim's roar of defiance echoed across the mountainside as he faced the undead monstrosity, his tactical mind recognizing the impossible odds while his territorial instincts refused to yield ground that had been clan property for generations. The Beast Lord's muscles swelled with transformation energy as he pushed his hybrid form beyond normal limitations, accepting permanent damage in exchange for strength that might challenge a dragon.
