The golden energy coursing through Xavier's blade connected with the Thornbeast's crystalline body. For one suspended moment, nothing happened—just the point of contact between metal and living ice.
Then reality caught up.
The Thornbeast exploded. Not in chunks or fragments, but in a spray of crystalline dust that scattered across the snow like diamond powder. The force of the strike continued through empty space, creating a shockwave that carved a trench in the snow.
Xavier staggered, momentarily disoriented by the sheer power that had flowed through him. His meter had jumped from 95 to 150 in a single strike. The golden energy still crackled around his hand, though it was already fading back to the familiar pink.
His head cleared instantly when he heard Naomi gasp behind him.
Two remaining Thornbeasts circled them, more cautious now after witnessing their pack leader's obliteration. They communicated with soft clicks and whistles, ice-blue eyes never leaving Xavier.
