Valerian Cross 14      

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.