Regor's snarl deepened, his patience snapping like a dry twig. His massive body tensed, claws flexing, muscles rippling beneath his thick fur. And then—
He lunged.
A blur of raw power and unrelenting fury, the ground cracked beneath his launch as he shot toward Evelyn like a living missile. The air howled with his speed, his massive claws gleaming under the moonlight, poised to tear through flesh and bone.
Yet Evelyn . . .
Didn't even flinch.
She stood there, arms crossed, head tilted in mild curiosity, as if watching an overgrown dog throwing a tantrum.
Valerian, however, moved.
Faster than instinct, faster than thought, he was already between them, his sword flashing as steel met claw. The impact sent a shockwave rippling outward, dust exploding around them as Valerian gritted his teeth, digging his heels into the ground to withstand the monstrous force.
Regor recoiled slightly, eyes narrowing at the interference.
