Cerberus tore itself free, expanding violently back into its thousand-foot form. The transformation displaced air in a concussive wave that sent Magnus tumbling backward, though his wings steadied him midflight.
WOOF.
WOOF.
WOOF.
The bark this time was more than a command.
It was resonance.
A sonic wave detonated outward.
Four-star beasts staggered. Three-star experts clutched their ears as blood seeped between their fingers. Even Magnus was forced higher to avoid the brunt of it.
Cerberus then leapt.
The ground fractured beneath its paws.
In less than a heartbeat, it reached Magnus midair and swatted him with overwhelming force.
The impact cracked like splitting stone.
Magnus's body hurtled backward, smashing into rocky outcrops atop the hill in a spray of debris.
Without lingering, Cerberus turned. Its three heads fixed upon the distant tank.
Far across the field, Kiara watched through her screen as the colossal form pivoted toward her.
The air trembled.
