On the Soaring Snake's chest, the last eight-petaled lotus flower flared bright.
Eight silver petals bloomed open, erecting a dome fully embracing both the person and the wings. The fireball pressed closer and closer; the dome held for three breaths before the eight petals shattered.
Sizzle...
Sizzle sizzle...
In the darkness, Kaelen heard it. The sound was very small, very steady, exactly like the sound of fat dripping onto coal on an afternoon when the whole family gathered to grill meat.
The entire body of the Soaring Snake tightened another circle, so tight that he could not breathe. But it did not tremble. Not a single bit.
The wings remained tightly closed, not revealing a single gap.
A burning smell spread in the air.
