The night sky sprawled vast above the island, a glittering expanse of stars shimmering under the moon's pale glow, casting a silver sheen across the restless ocean below. The air vibrated with raw energy, the ground trembling faintly as Alaric lay in the small crater I'd smashed him into, his red eyes glowing like twin embers in the settling dust.
Alaric's red aura flared brighter, tendrils curling around his prone form—etched with a cold, defiant smirk.
I tilted my head, my smirk faltering slightly as I peered into the crater.
"Hmm!?" I said, my voice tinged with confusion. I'd expected Alaric to leap up and counterattack, but instead, he stayed down, his red aura surging stronger, charging like a gathering storm. The air grew heavier, the pressure building as his energy pulsed outward, making the ground tremble.
