Byun reacted instantly. His shadows surged upward from the ground, thick tendrils wrapping around the wolf's hind legs. For a heartbeat, they held. The massive body strained against them, muscles bunched tight, growls rattling the leaves overhead.
"Got you…" Byun began, teeth bared.
The wolf roared and tore through the bindings with sheer force. Shadows shredded like mist, scattering uselessly into the air.
"Not holding!" Byun gritted, already weaving more. Sweat slicked his brow, his usual calm cracking.
"Then buy me time," Jae barked, stepping forward again. His flames flared higher, licking up the blade until it blazed bright enough to cast long shadows through the forest. His stance sank low, weight braced.
The alpha's eyes snapped toward him, as if recognizing the greater threat. It snarled, crouched, and sprang again. The ground split under its power, leaves bursting into the air around it.
