The demon crouched to leap, but Ashnod was faster.

She brought up the end of her skull-tipped wand, and multicolored energies surged forth from the tip.

The creature staggered under the force of the blow but did not fall. "You've grown more powerful," it snarled, but its words were forced.

***

Already the demon had risen to its feet and was staggering forward, struggling against the beam of Ashnod's staff. As Tawnos watched, its arms grew longer and its fingers sharpened into talons. 

***

The Brother's War, Chapter 33