King Boulder stood unmoving, his face carved with disgust. Slowly, almost lazily, he lifted one hand. The ground trembled faintly, and small pebbles rose from the floor as if summoned by his will. With a flick of his fingers, the stones shot forward one by one, striking Hellthorn's slick body.
Thwack. Thwack. Thwack.
The frog let out a guttural croak that twisted into an ugly scream. He hopped desperately, trying to dodge, but Boulder's aim was merciless. Each strike echoed like judgment until the chamber itself seemed to mock the once-proud elder.
"Pathetic," King Boulder muttered coldly, watching the creature writhe. "That is all you ever were."
Before Hellthorn could limp to safety, another force swept the room. Lord Blaze, tall and fearsome, lifted his hand. A thin flame ignited between his fingers, flickering like a serpent's tongue. He let it spread until it coated the very pebbles King Boulder had conjured, heating them red-hot.
