Draven's massive tail swooshed through the air, its force enough to shake the ground. Richard, battered but determined, struggled to evade the attack. But he was too slow, and the tail struck him hard across his back, sending him crashing to the ground.
"Ahh…" Richard groaned, the sharp trichomes of Draven's tail slicing into his skin. Blood seeped from the deep cut, staining his armor as pain shot through his body. His sword had been knocked out of reach, leaving him vulnerable. Worse, a gash on his wrist weakened his grip.
"I told you to get away from my way!" Draven's voice, now a monstrous growl, echoed across the battlefield. His steps were thunderous, sending tremors through the already crumbling castle. The sky above darkened with storm clouds, and people fled in panic, their screams blending with the sound of destruction as they sought safety from the beast their emperor had become.
