Cain lifted his hand lazily, as though he were flicking away a speck of dust.
At once, the massive owl responded.
"Quaaack!"
Its cry tore through the air as its enormous wings spread wide, feathers cutting through the wind with a deep, rushing sound. The ground cracked beneath the force of its takeoff, dirt and broken leaves exploding outward as the beast launched itself skyward in a powerful arc.
Zenaya did not hesitate.
Her eyes sharpened, her pride already stung from the earlier exchange. She bent her knees slightly and rose into the air with smooth elegance, blood mana swirling around her feet like a crimson current lifting her higher and higher until she hovered at the owl's level.
The forest below them grew smaller, the treetops forming a dark sea beneath the fading light.
She swore silently that she would teach that arrogant brat a lesson. If she could not tame beasts, then she would at least prove that she could crush one.
