Nova Peak Betta

Que?

The other boy’s screams had roused him. The smell of blood was fresh in the air. Swordfish blinked slowly, drawing his head up to look at what was taking place. The monster Shardik had grabbed hold of Quennell by his tail. The boy was churning his paws, kicking back snow in his efforts to escape the teeth of the horrifying animal.

Why did it smell like blood?

Swordfish glanced to the red that had stained the snow beneath him. The adrenaline spared him the pain until he realized that it was his own blood scent that filled his nose. His head swam with confusion and fear. There was a sickening popping sound from where the bear held Quennell. When the redtail boy looked up, it was to see that his friend had escaped! But the bear…

Regaining his feet, Swordfish pushed himself to stand. The ground spun around him. He could feel his legs quake and his head bob. It felt like he was swimming, and the tides were threatening to pull him under and sweep him away. He had to run, though.

A hiss slipped from his mouth as his paws began to churn. He could see that the bear had something in its teeth as he passed. The beast’s eyes captured his silver-flecked gaze. Swordfish’s heart sunk into his stomach. Those were the eyes of a demon.

The boy ran after Quennell, too afraid to glance back.