The blinding collision of golden-green flame and abyssal fire detonated in a deafening, localized shockwave. The force of the impact blasted a crater into the salt flat, sending a thick cloud of white dust and superheated steam screaming toward the sky.
When the blinding light finally cleared, the Ash-Drake let out a furious, wet hiss, shaking its massive horn-crowned head. The core's radiant flare had scorched its pale snout, blinding its heat-sensing pits just enough to confuse it. Taking advantage of its momentary disorientation, I grabbed Elara by her wrist, dragging her up the slick, crumbling slope of the salt pit before the beast could recalibrate its aim.
"Run!" I coughed, my throat raw from the sulfurous smoke.
