Before anyone could even blink, the spirit vanished in a gust of wind and darkness.
"Jason!" Von bellowed.
But the warning came a heartbeat too late. A screech of air tore through the chamber as the spirit reappeared at Jason's side, claws already slicing through the air.
Jason flinched instinctively, throwing himself backward, and the talons grazed his left shoulder. A flash of blood erupted across his tunic as he hit the ground with a grunt, rolling to the side to avoid a second strike. The spirit missed by inches, claws raking across the stone floor instead, sparks bursting from the impact.
Jason cried out, more in surprise than pain, scrambling away as Von lunged with his arm half-raised, but he was too slow.
