Chapter 044: Battle
Gavriel immediately sprang forward, scooping Anindira into his chest as his instincts screamed that the *Emerald Hyena would exploit even the smallest opening to attack.
His body was no longer in any condition for a maneuver like that.
Open wounds hindered his movements. His muscles screamed. His balance wavered.
The *Emerald's attack missed—by mere inches—but Gavriel's escape was unstable. His stride faltered, one step lagging by a fraction of a second.
Both of them crashed to the ground.
THUD!
Gavriel's back slammed hard against the earth, the breath forced from his lungs as if they had been crushed. Anindira landed on top of him, and they rolled across the ground slick with blood and fallen leaves.
The *Emerald Hyena lunged again immediately.
No hesitation.
