Chapter 9: Blood Call
Orion's body moved before his mind could catch up. He twisted his body, rolling to the side just as the beast's fangs snapped inches from where his throat had been, the ground trembling beneath its weight. The sheer force of its lunge sent shivers into his back.
The the four-legged bear-like creature let out a feral snarl.
Orion barely had time to react before the beast pivoted, its massive claws aimed at him with predatory precision. His Wraith was in his hands but his grip was weak, trembling from starvation and exhaustion.
The creature moved in a blur, closing the gap with terrifying speed. Orion raised his Wraith instinctively, but the beast feinted—its bulk shifted at the last second, aiming its claws instead of its fangs.
Pain exploded across Orion's ribs.
He barely managed to twist away, but the sheer impact sent him sprawling. He hit the ground hard, his back slamming against an exposed root. The impact stole the breath from his lungs. The world blurred for a second.
The creature is smart.
The beast didn't hesitate. It surged forward, jaws parting wide exposing its serrated fangs. Orion rolled, barely avoiding the killing blow. Its teeth sank into the wood behind him, shattering bark like brittle glass.
I have no time to think.
He lashed out wildly, the edge of his weapon biting deep into the beast's forearm. A guttural snarl erupted from its throat, but it wasn't enough to stop it. If anything, it only enraged it further.
The creature reared back, shaking its massive frame. Orion scrambled to his feet, his breath ragged, his vision blurring from the exertion. Blood dripped from the claw marks along his ribs, soaking his tattered shirt.