For a second absolute silence stretched.
What was once a sophisticated map of buildings, now turned into a mess of broken rocks, timber and metal rebars.
Kaori landed in a crouch several meters from where the dragon had staggered, breathing hard. Her right hand was still smoking from the released energy.
She looked shocked that the attack had actually worked.
The dragon straightened slowly, working its jaw with audible pops as bone and cartilage realigned. It touched his face with his hand and his eyes narrowed.
Then it looked at Kaori with quite interest and lethal intent. He sized her up a few times before he smiled. "Well now," the dragon said. "Aren't you a spirited little thing? Such fire, such passion in that strike." Its gaze lingered deliberately. "I do enjoy a woman who knows how to use her hands. Perhaps after I've dealt with the others, you and I could discuss more..."
