Moonspear nightmares

The loud yelp made Meerkat's heart stop in her chest, or at least it felt that way. Her jaw fell slack, releasing "Fierce's" tail as the pup sprang away from her. Now her heart began to race, worrying that she'd accidentally hurt the younger puppy. Or perhaps it was simply an act, part of their impromptu game?

Or it was a trick! "Fierce" took advantage of her panicked state and launched another attack. Still not sure the smaller wolf was actually okay, she made no move to defend herself; all her attention remained upon "Fierce" and, specifically, her tail. She didn't see or smell any blood, so that was good.

About the time Meerkat's brain deduced that "Fierce" had apparently cried wolf on her, the pain of her teeth registered. She looked down to see her right foreleg in the littler girl's surprisingly powerful jaws and now she did smell blood. "Fierce's" fangs must've broken skin.

Although her instincts compelled her to shake off the little menace, Meerkat didn't dare risk hurting "Fierce" for real. Instead of yeeting her, she lifted her free foreleg to press her paw gently against the pup's pale face. "Leggo, Fierce. I think I'm bleeding," she coaxed.