As Aiden gasped for breath, he summoned every ounce of strength he had left. Flames burst to life in his palms, weak but fierce, casting an orange glow that danced against the darkened dome. Karro smirked, his pale face illuminated by the flickering light.
"Still trying, are we?" the man said, his voice laced with mockery. "How amusing."
Aiden gritted his teeth.
His fire grew, brightening slightly as he willed it to strengthen. He thrust his palm forward, sending a stream of flames toward Karro. The heat surged through the air, aimed directly at the man's chest.
The guy moved swiftly, almost too fast for Aiden's eyes to follow. With an elegant sidestep, he evaded the fire entirely. "Pathetic," he hissed.
Before Aiden could react, he lunged forward, his hand striking out like a viper. Aiden barely had time to dodge, the man's nails grazing his cheek. He stumbled back, clutching his face as a thin line of blood began to trickle down his skin.
