In those heart-stopping moments of silence, Sebastian knew he had to seize control. His lips barely moved as he cast another spell.
A second passed, and then, like a shadow born from the savanna's deceptive calm, an illusory double of Sebastian took shape, still crouched within the tall grass.
With a slight nod, he sent his magical doppelgänger rustling through the tall grass.
It had to act as a decoy, while he himself melted further into the green embrace of the foliage and positioned himself at the best possible angle to kill the prowling beast.
Time stretched thin, each second a heavy weight. Sebastian's heart raced, not from fear but from a thrum of excitement; this was the true test, his first confrontation with a Fanged after his regression.
