Gustavo's laughter died in his throat as Zafron's head suddenly snapped around. Their eyes locked, and Gustavo's smug grin faltered.
'Impossible, the attack was supposed to kill him.' Gustavo croaked, his earlier bravado evaporating like mist in the sun.
Zafron's eyes blazed red, burning with an intensity that made Gustavo take an involuntary step back. Gone was any trace of shock or sadness. In its place was a raw, unrestrained fury that threatened to consume everything in its path.
The red slime surged with renewed life. It darkened to a deep red, almost black, as it writhed around Zafron's hand. The air grew thick with an oppressive energy that seemed to radiate from Zafron's body.
Gustavo's eyes narrowed as he noticed a subtle shift in Zafron's demeanor. He raised his hand, the ring glinting ominously in the dim light. "You should have known better than to—"
