My scales rippled, chittering excitedly at the chance of letting loose. Wind’s touch grazed my skin, my nape, stroked the hair on my neck like a light breeze caressing blades of grass. The incisions were artful, opening shallow gashes to slowly bleed me out. It was coming. Quickly, I transformed my weaponized appendages into regular arms. I breathed in, allowing my heart’s light to brighten as power poured itself into my bulkier right arm. This was a gamble, a feeling, a slight nudge guided by the wind’s rhythm. I turned and felt the scales stand on end. The burning hot inside me lit a small
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