Herbalists' Cache but my aching soul

the second his grip slackened, gjalla struck. a ploy, a well-timed deception—her yelp had been calculated, a sharp little sound meant to dig into his instinct, to make him hesitate. he did. 

his grip loosened just slightly, concern flickering in the way his breath caught—and that was all she needed. 

with yet another sudden twist, she wrenched herself free, muscles coiled like a spring before she launched upward. she pressed into him, legs bracing against his chest, forcing him back. she shoved him with all the strength in her body, aiming to roll them, to shift the balance back in her favor. 

"no!" she scoffed, looming over him, "you yield!" she was breathless but grinning now, teeth flashing as she bore down, trying to pin him instead.