Jace's chest heaved as he faced the brute, the creature's hulking frame blotting out broken lights above.
Cracks ran along the tiles under its feet as it stomped closer, each step echoing like a drum.
"Zin, you said you wanted to try something," Jace muttered, tightening his fists.
[Yes. It's about your ability. You didn't just copy Eva's gift. You altered it. It matches hers, yes, but with key differences. I think we underestimated—]
The alien's massive arm blurred downward. Jace barely threw himself aside, the floor splitting open where he'd been standing. Dust and sparks filled the air.
"Zin," he hissed, rolling to his feet. "Kinda busy!"
The brute swung again, a backhand this time. Jace ducked under it, feeling the wind of the strike rattle his hood. His ribs ached from the earlier hit, but adrenaline kept him sharp.
