Scene 1 – The Predator Descends
The storm exploded.
Where once lightning had divided the battlefield, now it fell indiscriminately, tearing through stone, shattering towers, igniting the air with fire and ozone.
And through it all, the Herald came down.
No longer stalking. No longer circling.
It pounced.
Jemil barely raised his blade before the first strike landed. Claws like black lightning slammed into steel, the impact rattling through his bones. He was hurled backward, boots carving trenches in the shattered ground.
Across the storm, the swordmaster cried out, her own katana flashing to intercept the second strike aimed for her heart. Sparks bled into arcs of lightning as steel shrieked against claw. She twisted, parried, countered—but the Herald didn't relent.
Every motion was faster. Stronger.
The predator wasn't playing anymore.
