Drex's mind raced. The bond with Korrak, the bond with the beasts—was it really about evolution? Was this connection he shared with Korrak truly part of some greater plan, or was it simply a tool, manipulated by those who sought to control?
"You've never been more than a tool, Drex," Lira's voice cut through his thoughts like a knife. "The Beasts evolve, and so must we. Power is the only true currency in this world. And you, just like all the others, are too weak to see it."
As the Beast of Amon lunged once more, Drex's world seemed to slow down. Evolution. What if Lira was right? What if the true evolution of their bond wasn't about harmony, but about strength—dominance? A new world where only the strongest survived, where tamers and beasts ruled side by side in an unbreakable hierarchy.
But something inside Drex pushed back against that notion. Power had always been the root of destruction. It was not the strength of domination that mattered—it was the strength of unity, of understanding. A world where power did not rule, but trust did.
"I refuse to let you do this!" Drex shouted, his voice full of defiance.
With a primal roar, he tapped into the deepest part of the bond he shared with Korrak. The golden energy flared around him, an explosion of power and light that pushed back the Beast and sent shockwaves through the sanctuary.
Korrak's eyes gleamed with the same intensity as Drex's, the two of them moving as one. The Beast roared in pain, its body twisting and warping in response to the surge of power. It was being forced to evolve—forced to accept the unity Drex had always believed in.
But the price was high. Drex's body trembled under the strain. His vision blurred, and his mind screamed in protest. The power of the Beast was vast, and the toll on his own body was taking its toll.
And then, Lira's voice once more, this time soft and venomous. "You've made your choice, Drex. And now you'll see the truth. You're nothing more than a failure."
Her words cut deep, but Drex held his ground. He wasn't just fighting for the world anymore. He was fighting for himself. He was fighting for Korrak. For the bond they shared. And for the future they could still build together.