Orion and raven's eyes locked in a fleeting moment of silent intensity. Without warning, raven, twisted and grotesque in his new form, materialized before Orion with unnerving speed. His clawed hand slashed down with malevolent intent, a strike poised to rend Orion apart. The sheer velocity of the attack left Orion no time to dodge, forcing him to raise his forearm in a desperate shield.
The claws bit deep, and blood spattered in a gruesome arc as the force of raven's blow sent Orion crashing into the wall he had blasted through moments earlier. The impact jarred his senses, leaving him momentarily disoriented. Pain seared through his arm, and for a brief second, doubt flickered in his mind. This was no strength and speed of the radiant Silver Mage he once knew; this was far superior, a force of nature.