Swiftcurrent Creek I am not a legend, I'm a fraud

Mae struck true, and a grin spread across Kaiaka’s face. Her first impression of the scarred she-wolf had been right. But there was no time to dwell on it, she needed to focus. With a lunge, she aimed for the deer's hind leg, hoping to help drag it down.

But this one was a fighter, even with its injury. Its good back leg lashed out, landing a glancing blow to Kaiaka’s chest. The air rushed from her lungs, and she stumbled, barely keeping her footing. Pain bloomed with every breath as her pace faltered.

But Mae, Mae needed her.

Gritting her teeth against her body’s protests, Kaiaka forced herself forward, breaking into a run. She caught up to the struggling pair, and this time, when she lunged, her aim was true.

Together, the two she-wolves heaved, muscles straining, and brought the beast crashing to the ground. Kaiaka held on tight, refusing to let the deer rise again, holding it down as she waited for Mae to deliver the final blow.