The second predator swept a massive paw toward his temple from the right. Mirek snapped his left arm up to meet the blow, the impact vibrating through his shoulder. He absorbed the shock without ceding an inch of ground. Seizing the opening, he stepped into the creature's guard and raked his right claws across its exposed flank.
The tips carved deep furrows into the muscle, forcing the beast to recoil with a pained roar as dark red vital fluid began to soak its hide.
A third beast attempted to hobble him, snapping at his shins. Mirek yanked his foot back, the jaws clicking shut on empty air, and immediately slammed his heel down onto the predator's snout. The force of the stomp cracked the bone against the unyielding plateau.
Before the creature could pull away, Mirek plunged his claws into its shoulder, puncturing the dense muscle to pin it in place before tearing his hand free.
