The cracks stopped spreading. The creature stabilized. And when it turned to face them again, it somehow seemed even more dangerous than before.
"He's supporting it," Eradarin said, understanding dawning in his ancient eyes. "As long as Angus can channel power into the fusion, it won't fail. We're not just fighting the creature—we're fighting Angus's will holding it together."
"Then we hit both targets," Gawter said, pulling himself to his feet despite his wounds. Blood dripped from a dozen gashes, but his grip on his sword remained steady. "Half of us engage the creature, half go for Angus."
"Divide our forces against two overwhelming threats?" Bodock asked skeptically.
"Better than failing against one," Gawter replied.
They split without further debate. Gawter, Arthur, and Bodock moved to engage the six-armed creature. Angelina, Eradarin, and Oceana turned their attention to Angus.
