Kael's snarl rumbled through the clearing as Reana dug her paws into the earth, lowering into a defensive crouch.
This wasn't about winning anymore.
This was about surviving.
But just as he pounced, a massive grey blur flashed forward and slammed into Kael mid-leap, knocking him sideways.
Kael hit the ground with a furious growl, immediately rolling to his feet, teeth bared, hackles high.
A colossal grey wolf stood between him and Reana, head low, a deep warning growl vibrating from his chest, despite his injuries.
It was Beta Thane.
Reana could see that the injured Beta couldn't beat Kael. She knew it was a gamble, a desperate, dangerous gamble. But he wasn't here to win.
He was here to buy her time to find a solution.
Roaring in fury, Kael lunged at him. The two collided with a savage crash, snapping and clawing, the air thick with snarls and the sharp scent of blood that not only dyed their furs and matted it, but painted the snow red.
