A sinister smile stretched across Klaus's face as the ritual reached its climax.
Above him, the air twisted.
A dark-red portal slowly opened in the ceiling, its edges writhing like living flesh. From within it, two small crimson hands emerged, each no larger than a child's hand, their tiny fingers ending in sharp, claw-like tips.
The hands reached downward, as though something monstrous was forcing its way into the world.
*BZZzzPzp BOOM!*
Without warning, Daniel unleashed a brilliant blue-white surge of electricity from his palm, striking Klaus squarely in the back.
The instant it hit, the lightning burst outward, spreading into a wide, cone-shaped surge that tore through the room.
*BOOOOM!*
The impact launched him forward.
Klaus's body slammed onto the floor and skidded across it, his clothes scraping against the rough surface as sparks danced around him.
"Gah!"
