But volcanic mastery provided unexpected resistance. The molten power flowing through his veins created internal heat that opposed the wraith's life-draining assault. Fire and ice met within his enhanced body, creating thermal stress that translated into visible steam.
The Dark Wraith recoiled from the unexpected resistance, its shadow-stuff form rippling with confusion. Ancient intelligence flickered behind ethereal eyes as it processed this new variable in what should have been an easy execution.
Ethan pressed his advantage immediately.
Crystal manipulation erupted from the stone floor, jagged spears of mineral matter piercing upward through shadow-pools where the wraith's essence gathered. The creature's form scattered like disturbed smoke, avoiding the crystalline attacks through ethereal dispersion.
But his dispersion created a vulnerability in its defence.
