The monster hit him like a freight train.
Holden activated the Abyssal-Bone Wings and threw himself sideways just as the creature's claws tore through the space where he'd been standing.
Holden landed on a golden pillar twenty feet above the ground, his wings folding against his back as he looked down. The throne room was already coming apart around them. The Emperor's transformation had cracked the floor, shattered the windows, and torn tapestries from the walls, while broken chandelier crystals crunched under the monster's feet as it turned to face him.
"DIE!"
The Emperor's voice was barely recognizable now, too deep and guttural, like a human scream coming through a broken speaker. He slammed both claws together, and a wave of dark purple energy burst outward.
Holden jumped.
