The fight was nearing its end.
"Finish it," Arthur commanded the serpent.
The serpent's body tensed, rainbow scales rippling as it gathered its remaining strength. With lightning speed, it struck, its jaw unhinging to an impossible width as it lunged for the tiger's throat.
But the Flamefang had one last trick.
As the serpent closed in, the tiger's entire body erupted in brilliant flames, a desperate final defense mechanism. The serpent screeched as it hit the wall of fire, its momentum carrying it forward even as its scales blackened.
THUD!
They collided in a brutal tangle of scales and fur, fire and venom.
The tiger's flames died out almost immediately, its mana reserves completely depleted. The serpent's fangs found their mark, pumping the last of its venom into the great cat's bloodstream.
For a moment, they lay motionless together, predator and prey, neither clearly victorious.
Then the tiger's body shuddered once and went still.
