Fuck~!!
The bear's massive lungs expanded. It unleashed a deafening roar that vibrated directly against Lucian's sternum.
Four heavy paws tore into the forest floor, kicking up dirt.
It charged.
Lucian pivoted.
His boots dug into the rotting soil.
Adrenaline hijacked his nervous system, forcing his leg muscles to fire before his conscious mind could even form a plan.
Behind him, the forest exploded.
The bear crashed through trees like they were twigs, splintering ancient wood with every step. It was fast—impossibly fast for something that size.
Faster than him.
Lucian dodged left, using a massive trunk as cover—
The bear smashed straight through it.
He rolled right, vaulted over a fallen log—
A claw swipe caught his shoulder.
Burning pain. Hot blood sprayed.
He stumbled but kept moving, gasping through gritted teeth.
Can't outmuscle it. I need a chokepoint.
The bear's breath was hot on his neck. Another swipe—he barely ducked, felt the air displacement.
Ahead—
