Vlad was shocked at the reversal of roles. The first time they had fought Shenyo had been out numbered three to one in Kasmir's home. Now his back was literally against a wall, desperately deflecting critical strikes to what vital areas vampires still had. Yet Lydia's actions had unforeseen consequences. The stone wall created a dark shadow in which Vlad stood. As Shenyo reared back and struck forward with a surge of strength, Vlad's form turned to black smoke and appeared to be sucked into the darkness just as his fist swung through him.<br/><br/>Shenyo's fist cracked the stone from top to bottom with the force, but remained still with his fist still touching it. There was a sudden quiet around them, and Lydia would be able to see his ears slowly shifting from side to side, listening carefully. Slowly Shenyo pulled back from the wall and turned towards her, eyes scanning the world around them. Blood ran from his hand that no longer looked quite right. The bones were shifted slightly to one side, something that would cripple most for life. Yet as he walked towards her it began to right itself, faster than she had seen him heal before. Did the urgency of battle trigger something in him?<br/><br/>"Lydia!" Shenyo shouted, his eyes looking just past hers. The same way that Lydia created a shadow with the earth, it seemed her small shadow and the shade around her was just enough for Vlad to reappear from the darkness.