The entire ground seemed to tremble with each step of the colossal ape. Damon ran, his lungs burning, each breath bringing the icy air like knives to his throat. The snow swallowed his feet up to the ankles, making every movement heavy, but still he moved forward, forcing his broken body to obey.
Behind him, the beast roared, a deep, cavernous sound that made the branches bend and the forest itself tremble. The sound of fists beating against its chest echoed through the trees like war drums, a cruel reminder: no matter how hard you try, I am bigger, I am stronger, and I will crush you.
Damon leaped over a fallen log, nearly tripping, and slid into the snow on the other side. His spear was firmly in his hand, but now it felt less like a weapon and more like a survival stick, something that only served to stave off death for a few seconds.
"Damn it, damn it, damn it…" he muttered, his voice hoarse, spitting blood that stained the snow in his wake.
