Time slowed.
Grugrim surged forward, his twin axes cutting through the golden mist left behind by Malik's shattered barrier.
The lightning dragon roared behind him—its form twisting through the air like a living storm. Arcs of electricity trailed in Grugrim's wake, each step charged with raw power.
He swung with everything he had.
Malik's eyes snapped open in alarm.
He moved, jerking his head to the side.
It wasn't fast enough to dodge the hit completely, but it was just enough to save his life.
SLLKT!
The edge of Grugrim's axe slashed across Malik's cheek.A thin, clean cut.
Crimson bloomed.Bright, hot, and unmistakable against Malik's cold, flawless skin.
For a heartbeat, the arena froze.
Then, a unified gasp echoed across the stands, like the crowd had been holding its breath and just remembered how to breathe.
In the crowd, Alex clenched his fists so hard his knuckles turned white.
His breath caught.
"So close..." he whispered.
