Viliam snarled, leaping back to avoid another electric strike, his wings spreading wide as he tried to gain distance.
But Thorn was relentless.
He danced around Viliam, striking out with shocking bursts of electricity, forcing Viliam to stay on the defensive.
Every time Viliam tried to get close, Thorn was faster.
Every time Viliam struck, Thorn’s iron-like skin absorbed the blow.
It was a deadly cycle, and Viliam was running out of options.
Thorn surged forward again, this time faster than before, his hand brushing Viliam’s flank.
Lightning surged through the nightglider’s body.
Viliam roared in agony, his muscles rippling as he fought to stay shifted. His massive wings trembled.
“Yes, that’s it!” Thorn taunted. “Change back. Make this even easier for me.”
But Viliam refusedto yield.
With a growl, he launched himself at Thorn with renewed fury. He twisted midair, his claws aiming for Thorn’s unprotected face.
But Thorn ducked beneath the strike and rammed his electrified fist into Viliam’s side.
The shock sent Viliam crashing into the sand, his body convulsing from the charge.
Elora’s heart leapt into her throat as she watched the mighty nightglider writhe, his wings twitching, his form barely holding.
Thorn stood over him, his chest heaving with exertion, but the cruel smirk never left his face.
“You should have left when you had the chance,” he sneered, raising his hand for the final blow.
Elora’s mind screamed for her to do something,anything. She couldn’t let Thorn win.
Not like this.
Her body moved before her thoughts caught up, her legs propelling her forward.
With a surge of desperate courage, she leapt onto Thorn’s back, her arms locking around his neck in a chokehold.
Thorn’s hand shot up, grabbing her arm with bruising force. He twisted sharply, breaking her hold and hurling her over his shoulder.
Elora hit the ground hard, the air rushing from her lungs as she tumbled through the sand.
But her distraction was enough.
With a guttural snarl, Viliam’s wings beat the sand in a flurry, launching him up and over Thorn. He landed behind him, slashing at his legs before the headmaster reacted.
Thorn stumbled, but his iron-like skin protected him again, and the electricity crackled between his fingers as he turned.
With a swift movement, Viliam whipped his tail around, catching Thorn in the chest with enough force to send him skidding back across the sand.
But Thorn was already recovering.
His body snapped back into position with the unnatural speed granted by his enchantments. He darted forward, his electrified hand reaching for the nightglider’s side again.
This time, Viliam anticipated the move.
