The lapels of her fatigues flapped sporadically from hibernal gusts as globules of congealed blood fell from Najwa’s leading left hand, marring the pristine snow that was gathering at her feet. She had adopted a defensive posture similar to that of a Western boxer, one of many forms she was comfortable with. [i]The demon bleeds… but does it live?[/i] Her gaze shifted from each possible avenue of attack she would consider as the lambent interior of the massive structure began to pulse with an amber effulgence. 

A resounding crack sliced through the roaring winds and the courtyard shook in its wake. The sound reverberated through the surroundings and cascades of ice loosened from the karsts only to crash into the mountain and create a series of avalanches. The main supports of the temple buckled, its ancient roof crumbling to reveal a tempest of flames. Air had been funneled through the cavities created during their brief yet explosive encounter, feeding the fire’s intensity. The remains of the gate behind her collapsed, devastated further by the temple’s ongoing demolition. She watched dispassionately as distorted shadows danced with the inferno’s frenzied movements, focusing on any movement within the flaming edifice.

[i]It can’t be this easy. It never is.[/i]