Chapter 18: Beast fight
Skoll, the massive Fenrir, let out a deep growl as he charged forward, his sharp teeth glinting in the sunlight. His powerful legs pounded the ground, shaking the earth beneath him with each heavy step. Across the field, the Griffin spread its enormous wings, the feathers shimmering in gold and white. Its sharp talons scraped the ground, ready to strike at a moment's notice. The Griffin's eyes shone with fierce intelligence, and its beak snapped open with a piercing cry.
Skoll lunged, jaws wide, aiming for the Griffin's wing, but the bird was quick. With a strong beat of its wings, it soared upward, dodging the attack and then swooping down to claw at the Fenrir's flank. The beasts circled each other, neither willing to give ground. Skoll roared in anger and swung his massive body, trying to knock the Griffin off balance. The Griffin twisted mid-air and landed lightly on the ground, then launched a sudden, sharp strike with its beak, catching Skoll just behind the ear.
The fight was a blur of movement — snarls, screeches, sharp claws, and flying fur and feathers. Skoll's powerful jaws snapped again and again, but the Griffin was always just out of reach, using its agility to avoid the worst attacks. The Griffin's wings created gusts of wind, pushing Skoll back and slowing his advance. Skoll, undeterred, called on his strength and lunged once more, pinning the Griffin to the ground with his heavy body.
Just when it seemed the Fenrir might win, the Griffin used its wings to push Skoll away, then leapt into the air again. Both beasts were breathing heavily, sweat and dust covering their bodies. They stood apart, staring each other down with fierce determination, waiting for the next move.
Suddenly, Lady Vivienne raised her hand. "Stop! Enough!" Her voice was firm and clear, cutting through the noise of the battle.
The beasts froze, and the crowd fell silent, eyes fixed on their leader.
Vivienne's expression was calm but commanding as she declared, "This battle will end as a tie. Both Skoll and the Griffin have shown great strength and skill. Their trainers have done well to control such powerful creatures."
Andrius and Seraphine lowered their heads and bowed respectfully to each other. The tension melted away, replaced by mutual respect and the cheers of the crowd.
The applause from the gathered crowd echoed through the training grounds, a steady roar of appreciation for the fierce battle that had just taken place. Axelius, never one to hide his enthusiasm, clapped his hands loudly, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Wow, that was incredible!" he muttered under his breath, unable to hide his amazement.