He reacted, not by thinking, but by moving. His new body was a marvel of speed and agility. He pivoted on the ball of his foot, a motion so fluid it felt as if he were dancing on air, narrowly avoiding the wolf's initial pounce. The beast's claws tore through the space where his neck had been, kicking up a shower of sparks from the stone wall behind him.
Fast, Jian observed, his mind cold and analytical. But clumsy.
The wolf landed heavily, twisting its massive body with surprising speed for a second attack. It bared its fangs, a terrifying maw of jagged ivory, and lunged for his leg.
Jian brought his foot up, a sharp, precise kick aimed at the wolf’s flank. He put a surge of his newly acquired crimson energy into the strike. The impact was solid, a resounding thud that sent a jolt up h
