The moment the flames collided with the Skinbutcher… it was hell on earth.
Quite literally.
A massive pillar of fire roared upward, devouring the creature entirely.
The air rippled and the ground itself sizzled beneath the inferno.
The explosion of light was blinding enough to make Esme raise her arm over her face, breathing through the suffocating waves of hot air.
For a brief moment… it looked like it was over.
"Is it… over?" she whispered with her voice trembling.
The fear in her voice could be heard… she never thought she'd live long enough to ask that question.
Her knees felt weak. "Th… thank you for saving me."
"Don't thank me yet." Azel's eyes stayed fixed on the flames. "It's not dead."
And then she saw why.
A foot stepped through the wall of fire.
It was charred… but still moving.
The Skinbutcher emerged with its body smoldering and steam pouring off its skin in violent bursts.
