Chapter 33: A Game of Adjustments

Standing at one end of the arena, with the crowd going wild around her, Etzli recoiled from the monster. It roared at the rafters, then stormed toward her.

Capac's monster form was certainly the same species as hers, but that's where the similarities ended.

He was bigger, spikier, with a massive wingspan and actual smoke (smoke!) billowing from his nostrils. Fewer stars shined across his night-sky skin, making him appear more empty and mysterious.

As he reached the midfield, he took flight. His great wings pounded, creating a whirlwind around Etzli.

Shielding her eyes, Etzli dove out of the way.

Capac slammed one claw into the floor where she'd been standing a fraction of a second earlier. If she hadn’t moved in time, that could’ve been the end of her. Game over. And she knew it.

The crowd cheered as Etzli sprinted across the field. She had no idea what she was supposed to do, but she knew one damn thing. She was sick and tired of getting pushed around.