The salamander stretched its arm forward.
Light bled from its palm, swelling into a molten orb—white-hot, unstable, screaming with power.
It laughed.
"Bye-bye, weak humans."
Max stood his ground, fists clenched. No more drones. No more backup. Just him, facing the impossible.
Ash hovered near Kael, who still lay slumped against the stone. Steam hissed off his skin as his healing dragged on, too slow.
Ash glanced at Max.
'If he fails to come up with a plan. we run.'
But no one moved.
The creature's laughter echoed through the ruined streets. It poured into every crack and shattered window. Children clung to their mothers. Some people dropped to their knees, hands clasped, whispering to gods that no longer answered.
The orb above the salamander's palm pulsed brighter.
Then—gone.
Snuffed out in an instant. Smoke replaced the light.
The creature staggered, clawed fingers pressing into its chest. It gasped—then growled.
Max narrowed his eyes.
What—
