Panther down

The crackling violet energy slammed into the panther's skull with pinpoint precision. A sharp snap echoed through the clearing as the beast recoiled, its body twisting midair from the sheer force of the blast. 

The panther landed awkwardly, claws digging into the dirt to stabilize itself, but the impact had left its mark—its head jerked unnaturally to the side, its movements slightly sluggish. Ethan didn't give it time to recover.

"Kill it now!" he barked, already summoning a second bolt.

Mark and Toren charged in unison, their blades flashing as they closed the gap. Toren's axe swung downward with brute force, while Mark lunged low, aiming for the beast's hind legs. The panther leaped back, avoiding the worst of it, but Mark's blade clipped its leg, slicing deep enough to stagger it.