Kaelen's claws tore through the air, meeting Lucian's with a force that shook the ground beneath them. The Blackwood's oppressive weight seemed to tighten, the trees themselves leaning inward as if drawn to the clash. Lucian's grin was feral, his movements unnaturally fast, infused with the dark power radiating from the altar. Every strike Kaelen landed felt like hitting smoke—Lucian's form flickered, his laughter echoing in the chaos.
"You can't stop it!" Lucian snarled, dodging Kaelen's lunge and raking claws across his shoulder. "The Blackwood chose me!"
Kaelen grunted, pain searing through him, but he didn't falter. He pivoted, slamming his elbow into Lucian's chest, sending him staggering. "The Blackwood doesn't choose," he growled. "It devours."
