The Sky Buzzard was massive, its wings spanning twice the width of a wagon, with splayed feathers like sharpened blades.
Its talons glistened with something dark and wet, probably blood.
Wade threw himself backwards, skidding on the dirt.
The buzzard's talons sliced through the space his head had been just an instant before.
The force of the mind sent him stumbling back, its wings missing him by inches.
As the bird passed, its head whipped towards Wade. Its beak opened wide, revealing a throat that shimmered with electric light.
Sparks crawled along its feathers. It was charging an elemental strike.
Wade's heart lurched. His hands moved on instinct.
Basic Ward!
Aegis of Reflection!
He layered them atop each other.
The barriers flashed to life just as the buzzard unleashed a bolt of blue lightning. The world lit up for a moment, everything going white.
The barrier held for half a second before cracking, shattering under the pressure.
