Lyra's POV
My hands moved on instinct, with my claws coming out of my fingers as it soared through the air, jaws open wide, I met it halfway, and caught it with my both hands clamping around its bloodstained snout.
It snarled, twisting midair, but I held firm. My fingers drew themselves up against the edge of its mouth, and with a horrendous roar of effort, I wrenched its jaws open beyond that allowed by nature.
An ugly crack bore into the air through the forest.
The beast suddenly collapsed; it twitched once and then went still.
Blood splattered across my arms and chest.
I was standing over it, chest rising and falling, muscles humming in residual adrenaline.
Behind me came a choking gasp from Kate.
I slowly turned around, wiping my cheek behind the back of my hand.
Her eyes wer
