It was condensed elemental fire…
Not external fire that could be extinguished. Fire imbued directly into the blades themselves. Converting them into elemental weapons that carried a persistent effect.
The vampire descended again with confidence. Trying to force a close-quarters exchange again while still trusting in its regeneration to offset any damage received.
The mantis countered the approach with perfect timing.
Blade-arms cut through a defensive posture that covered the head. This time carrying fire with them into the wound.
They impacted the vampire's shoulder. Opening a deep wound that should have closed immediately like the others.
But the elemental fire entered the wound itself.
Burning from within where blood control couldn't simply expel it.
The vampire shrieked. Not an attack scream but the sound of real pain that made obvious the genuine damage.
It pulled away, beating wings desperately to create distance from a new threat it couldn't regenerate through.
