Lucius hit the ground hard. He didn't move.
Sebastian blinked, unimpressed. "You have to be joking…" he muttered, stepping forward. "How do you get knocked out in the first five seconds of a dramatic entrance?"
The second beast lunged forward, mouth foaming, but Alaric was already moving.
His sword was in his hand before the beast's feet touched the ground.
Steel met claw with a sound like thunder cracking the earth.
The blow sent sparks flying into the air. Alaric's eyes glowed faintly—unnatural. Too fast. Too graceful. The beast reeled back, howling in surprise.
Sebastian raised a brow. "Okay, impressive."
Alaric advanced without a word, his blade gleaming as he cut through the air with practiced ease.
The second beast roared, trying to flank him, but a flick of Alaric's wrist sent a short dagger flying into its thigh, breaking its rhythm.
"You want to challenge a monster," Alaric muttered as he ducked a blow, "try one with discipline."
