---
Ayan wiped the blood from his mouth and grinned, teeth red. "You think fists are enough in Emberfall city, feeder?"
Zephyr stepped back. "You summoned a beast in the Rank Hall?"
Star moved before Zephyr even gave a command. The young drake's nostrils flared, firelight dancing in his eyes. Bandaged or not, he hissed loud enough to rattle glass, wings flaring with slow menace.
Star placed himself between Zephyr and the leopard, hackles raised. The floor trembled faintly beneath his paws.
The crowd began backing up, the playful jeering now twisted into nervous murmurs.
"Oh crap. That thing's gonna torch the whole hall—"
"Shadow magic and fire? Get a shield mage, now—! That tiny Hollowback's fire is strong."
Then came the shrill call of whistles.
