The Skarvok's emerald eyes glowed through the shadows as it prowled, each step shaking the forest floor. Its claws gouged deep furrows into the earth as it lowered its body, preparing to spring.
I tightened my grip on both daggers, my breathing calm.
It lunged.
The air split with the force of its leap, its claws slashing down to tear me in half. I dodged at the last possible second, feeling the wind of its strike graze my cheek. Dirt exploded where I had stood. I rolled across the ground, springing back onto my feet in one motion, my daggers crossed in front of me.
Too strong. I can't block it head-on. I need to wear it down.
The Skarvok snarled, whipping its tail like a whip. The blow clipped my side and sent me tumbling into a tree. Pain jolted through my ribs, but I forced myself up before it could pounce again.
