For a long moment, the entire floating arena was silent. Wind howled faintly through the open
arches high above, sweeping banners and scattering sparkling dust from shattered spells.
Ethan stood motionless, Warlord Fang gleaming in his grip. Shadows curled and writhed around
his shoulders like living serpents. His face was still, but his eyes glowed with a burning light that
seemed to devour the space between him and Lyra.
Lyra's mouth opened slightly. She took another step back, her jade hair whipping across her face.
"W-what… the hell are you…?"
Ethan didn't answer. His eyes were speaking for him—two amber lanterns filled with quiet fury. His
pupils were pinpoints of gold flame. The lines of his jaw were tight enough to crack.
Lyra lifted her arms. "Stay back!"
She swept her hands outward.
"[Tempest Break!]"
A spiral of wind blades screamed toward Ethan, dozens of slicing arcs converging on him like the
claws of a giant beast.
But Ethan was already moving.
—BEEP—
