The beast fixed its blazing red eyes on Kaelen, and without warning, it lunged forward to him. Its talons scraped against the rocky ground, sending sparks flying as it closed the distance. Kaelen's instincts screamed at him to move, and he rolled sideways just as one of its massive claws came crashing down where he'd stood moments before. Dust and debris flew into the air, momentarily obscuring his vision.
"Shit. Why me?!"
He barely had time to regain his footing when a series of crimson spikes suddenly shot toward the creature, lodging themselves in its thick, scaly back. The beast roared in pain, twisting around to face this new threat. Kaelen turned, catching sight of Thane standing a short distance away with his right hand dripping with blood.
'Is that... how he manifests his Veil of Blood?'
The beast shifted its attention toward Thane and charged, its eyes were burning with fury.
