---
The captain gave him nothing. "Form," he said.
The crescent tightened. Sand squeaked under feet. The line bulged toward him like a belly ready to push.
Kai's eyes went cold. "Very well."
He reached into the part of himself he had learned to open only when it mattered. He pulled the switch. The world leaned.
Chitin whispered across skin. Plates knit. Muscles bunched and found new lines. His height lifted. His weight settled lower. A second set of shadows wrapped him like a cloak. Joints locked and widened as his Apex form came on in a breath. The sharp, clean scent of fresh armor rolled across the saddle.
The nearest rank did not step back. They tightened their grips.
The captain's lips flattened. He had seen beasts warp and men war. He had not seen one do both with this kind of ease.
"Hold," he said. "Prick him. Make him bleed. Then press."
Kai did not wait for them to come to him. He moved first.
