Sheepeater Cliff staring in to open flame

a crack sounded!

zharille reared back and spat, and out came a small tooth. she tasted her own blood and knew her work was for nothing. the crown was not coming free; she would have to take the whole head, and then what? carry it across the wilds? it was not worth the strain.

a rumble of annoyance crawled up her gullet, but she fell away from the carcass after that. it held no interest to her. she watched the boy, then seemed to grow bored of him too, and turned her attention to the wilderness.

a gob of bloody saliva dripped from her chin.