Damon sat cross-legged near the fire, the flames crackling and spitting sparks into the chilly night air. He closed his eyes, trying to concentrate. He inhaled slowly, absorbing the icy Qi that now resided within him. The sensation was not pleasant. Each breath seemed to bring ice into his lungs, each heartbeat spread that biting cold through his veins.
His technique, Crimson Night Devourer, had always been visceral, almost brutal in its execution. It involved drawing in energy, devouring it, absorbing it like a nocturnal predator. With ordinary mana, it worked well. With simple elemental Qi, he had even succeeded a few times. But with this icy energy, things were different.
The Qi wouldn't let itself be devoured. It bit back.
Sweat ran down his face, even in the cold of the forest. Hot sweat, contrasting with the wave of ice spreading within. His muscles trembled, the veins in his neck bulged. Damon gritted his teeth, trying to control the flow.
"Shit... it's not working."
