A loud crash echoed through the woods, startling a flock of birds into the sky. You stumbled backward, half-covered in dirt, your clothes torn from the fight.

Thalia landed beside you with a grunt, her spear crackling with leftover static. "You alright?" she asked, not even looking at you as she scanned the treeline.

You wiped a cut on your cheek. "Define 'alright.' I just got thrown into a bush by a manticore."

"That’s basically a hug in monster language," she muttered, stepping in front of you.

A low growl rolled through the clearing. The manticore was limping now, but very much alive—and very, very angry.

Thalia’s grip tightened around her weapon. "Stay behind me."

You sighed. "You always say that. And I never listen."

She shot you a look over her shoulder. "One of these days, you’re gonna listen, and the world’s gonna implode."

"I’ll take my chances."

The manticore charged. Thalia didn’t move.

Instead, she smirked.

At the last second, she spun to the side and slammed her spear into the ground—sending a surge of lightning outward. The blast knocked the creature straight off its feet, smoking and groaning.

You blinked. “Okay. That was kinda hot.”

Thalia arched a brow. “Focus. We’re not done yet.”

You grinned, raising your own weapon.