Nova Peak Betta

It roared, booming and fearsome. Swordfish’s ears fell flat to his head. His legs quaked beneath him. If he had it in him, the boy might have wet himself with fright.

Quennell responded with a shout – Shardik! The boy looked to his friend in distress, confusion. He didn’t know what that meant. The next word was clear, though. Move! Swordfish looked up to the towering beast and turned swiftly. The snow buffeted his face in a gust of wind. His eyes squinted against it, fighting the urge to cower, to hide.

Swordfish aimed to run. A paw struck his haunch and tossed him effortlessly against the stone. Darkness swam into his vision. A sharp pain in his ribs made rising feel impossible. His adrenaline had faltered in his dizziness.