Self-Deceit

Tycondrius returned to the area he last saw Dragan. 

The Titanblood had pinned the last firebeard to a wall with his left hand. Held in place, he smashed his domineering right fist into the creature's chest, leaving a deep indentation in their hide armor. 

Black blood spewed from the creature's mouth, shortly followed by the Language of Fire. 

It was begging to be spared. 

...and it was wasting its final breaths. 

Dragan heavy fist pounded into the creature's head. The single strike caved in the front of their skull, transforming their face into a grotesque approximation. 

"That appears to be the last of them," Tycon declared. 

"...Yeah," the Titanblood said, no mirth in his voice. 

The way Dragan had fought was different than Tycon remembered. Where he expected extravagant showmanship, he saw only focused efficiency. Brazen mockery and jeering, Dragan had replaced with physical brutality bordering on cruelty.