The male vehemoth backed away ten feet as Vivian's sword grazed by him.
At this point in the battle, its back was slashed open, and blood was flowing out of the wound.
Its right hand was burnt badly, and there was now a deep gash across the back of its right chest.
The vehemoth panted heavily, its breaths rough and uneven, as it glared at Vivian with bloodshot eyes.
Steam rose faintly from its body, mixing with the smell of burnt flesh and blood.
It gave a low growl, the sound filled with anger and pain, and then snorted loudly.
Even after taking such brutal injuries, the creature showed no sign of giving up.
Its muscles trembled, not from fear but from the effort to stay standing.
It turned its head toward the female vehemoth, who was in no better shape, struggling against the black shadows that attacked it without rest.
For a moment, its eyes softened, just a flicker of emotion, before hardening again.
