The plaza cracked under the elder's roar. His body stretched, veins bulging as scales traced his jaw.
His voice no longer sounded human. When he swung, the wind howled like a beast let loose, breaking stalls and uprooting stones.
Arden slid across the shattered ground, shield pressed against the blow, teeth clenched. "Stronger, sure… but you're just uglier now."
The hybrid hissed, spittle spraying. His claws raked the air, sending a crescent of wind blades at Arden. But before they could land, ice crystals spiraled upward, sealing them into jagged spears.
The Lord of Greyhold had stepped in, one hand raised, his voice calm. "Keep him steady."
Arden grinned. "That's the plan."
The elder lunged, a blur of muscle and storm.
His claws struck the ground, wind erupting in violent bursts.
Arden ducked left, flame gathering around his fists.
The Lord moved opposite, shards of ice weaving from his fingertips, each one cutting clean into the elder's flesh.
