Chapter 169

• The beast loomed before me, lowering its massive jaw to reveal rows of blade-like teeth.
• My ten-inch knife was still buried in its chest, yet the wound barely seemed to faze it. Its breath, hot as embers, washed over my face as it lunged, teeth poised to tear into my flesh. I ducked at the last second, yanking my knife free and slicing across its torso.
• A guttural howl ripped from its throat, piercing my ears with its unholy resonance. I sprang to the side, narrowly dodging the razor-sharp claws swiping for me. It was fast—faster than any wolf I had ever faced. But I had no time to process my fear. I lunged, risking proximity, and slashed my knife across its stomach before swiftly leaning back. But I wasn’t quick enough. Four curved claws raked across my side, sinking deep into the flesh just below my ribs.