His brow furrowed as he imagined a new form. Finally letting his wild fury run free, he clenched his fists at his sides and began to feel the change coming over him.

But rather than a winged creature, he summoned indomitable strength.

Visualizing a powerful torso and limbs strong enough to crush a man with a single blow, he knew that in the thickening cloud, they wouldn’t know until it was too late, and he had to make every moment count.

He felt his body growing in size. He cried out, the sound becoming deeper as his chest swelled. His shout became a roar and he opened his eyes, legs apart and arms raised above his head.

Dion had changed into a giant.

Thrusting head and shoulders above the mist, he roared, his gnarled head brushing against the ceiling as he looked down at the tiny sorcerer sharing his cage. With a single powerful blow, he swatted the gray-robed sorcerer to the side, sending him crashing into the bars with enough force to break his bones.

A strong kick smashed the bolt holding the gate fastened and he tore it wide open. Dion stormed out of the cage, heading directly for Tarik. Eyes wide with shock, the scar-faced magus lifted his staff, but Dion’s fist punched into his torso, sending him flying through the air before he struck the wall, crumpling instantly.

Isobel stood frozen with terror, gazing up at him. He knew how he looked – hideous, terrifying, three times her height – but he tried to communicate compassion with his eyes as he bent down and picked her up in his arms like a child.

Then he started to run.

Knowing he had just this one chance, every thought focused on getting Isobel away from this terrible place, he rushed out of the chamber and into the wide, high-ceilinged corridor. He sprinted hard, powerful legs carrying him forward faster than a man could run. Exhaustion tried to slow him, starvation sapped his will, but he bellowed and pushed the sensations away. He needed to make it to the open streets. He had no other plan.

Lumbering through the corridor, he followed the sloping path and then the curve of the tower’s wall. Finally he saw the broad archway and bright sunlight. Beyond, tantalizingly in reach, was the city.

Still carrying Isobel in his arms, he ran for the archway, startling two soldiers with crossbows standing outside. He barreled into them, knocking both men sprawling to the ground, before setting Isobel down.

He headed back to the nearest soldier, who gazed up in horror at the giant towering over him with both fists clenched above his head. Bringing down his arms, Dion caved in the man’s chest, the armor of steel links offering no protection. He took two steps to reach the other guard and stamped down with his leg, once, twice, finally letting his rage swamp all other emotions.