Unscathed

Ethan's scream rang through the battlefield, sharp and grating.

Alex clicked his tongue in irritation.

Enough.

He stepped forward, reaching for Ethan's throat, ready to silence him—

ROOOOAR!

A sudden blast of heat surged from the side.

A massive flaming dragon materialized out of nowhere, its fiery jaws wide open as it crashed into Alex, sending him skidding backward.

The flames swelled, wrapping around him like a blazing storm before—

An explosion erupted, consuming Alex in an inferno.

KRA-KOOM!

Huff... Huff...

Darrel appeared beside Ethan, his chest rising and falling rapidly.

His eyes darted to Ethan's severed arm, and he clicked his teeth in frustration.

"Dammit."

Katie rushed in next, her hands glowing as she pressed them against Ethan's wound, healing the damage.

Darrel gritted his teeth.