Chapter 141

• As the dance commenced, I found myself and Kael circling one another, locked in a tense standoff. I understood my predicament all too well; there was no escape from this deadly game. Kael had weighed my strengths and weaknesses, confidently acknowledging that he had me cornered. He was stronger, smarter, and far more seasoned than I could ever hope to be. However, I held one advantage over him—my speed. His imposing size could be both a blessing and a curse. I realized that I had to be vigilant, protecting my neck and my flank at all costs.
• When he lunged toward me, I instinctively dodged to the side, taking the opportunity to swipe at him with my claws. If I were to describe the expression that twisted his lips, it would be akin to a werewolf's smile—feral and predatory. In an instant, he reached out a paw, faster than I could react, and sank his teeth into a chunk of my side. A piercing yelp escaped my lips as I felt a searing burn radiate through me. Pain coursed through my body, but I refused to back down; this monster had nearly killed Xavier and had indeed taken the life of Victoria. I steeled myself, circling him with unwavering focus. I wouldn't allow him to deceive me again.
• With a low snarl rumbling in my throat, I kept my muscles coiled, ever-ready for that elusive opening. After two more agonizing circles, I sensed his impatience as he opted for the offensive, rolling and sinking his teeth into my leg as he passed. A hiss slipped through clenched teeth as the pain shot up my limb. Before I could gather my wits and evade him, he lunged again, this time locking his massive jaws around my neck. My body bucked in a desperate attempt to throw him off, the instinct to survive overwhelming me. I recognized that if he tore my throat open, I was finished—a chilling certainty gripped me.