"Aria, no!" Marcus's voice rang out, laced with concern.

But it was too late. The beast's massive claw swept towards her, and Aria braced for the impact, her muscles tensing in anticipation of the blow.

The force of the strike was staggering, sending her tumbling backwards. She hit the ground hard, the wind knocked from her lungs, stars dancing across her vision as she struggled to regain her senses.

Through the haze, she could make out the beast looming over her, its jaws gaping wide. She reached for her sword, her fingers scrabbling against the blood-soaked earth, but it was just out of reach.

A blur of motion, and suddenly...