Jayden and the Ancient Sabertooth Flare were still locked in a primal standoff, the clearing now a scarred arena of craters, fallen trees, and smoldering earth.
After a while, the deadlock broke with a violence that shattered the surrounding air. And the moment their claws separated, all hell broke loose.
The Flare struck first, its right paw sweeping in a vicious arc aimed at Jayden's throat. Jayden ducked, feeling the superheated air singe the tips of his fur, and drove his shoulder into the beast's chest. The impact sent both creatures sliding backward, their claws tearing furrows in the earth.
They circled each other for half a heartbeat, predatory eyes locked. Then they exploded into motion simultaneously.
CRASH! BOOM! CRACK!
The sounds of their battle echoed through the forest like a war drum. Claw met claw in a blur of silver and flame. Each impact generated shockwaves that rattled Fred's bones even from his position against the tree.
