The tension rose a notch.
They repositioned themselves around the creature, each instinctively adjusting their angle. The circle was closing in, but the monster didn't seem concerned. It turned slowly, its clawed paws pressing the earth without a sound, its bladed tail swaying behind it like a constant threat.
Maggie stepped forward.
She raised her axe but didn't strike. She feinted, pivoted, pretended to launch a side attack. The feline leapt aside, anticipating… and walked right into the trap.
Dylan emerged from the opposite flank.
He was already mid-sprint. His machete carved a low arc, aiming to take out the hind legs. But this time, the creature didn't just dodge — it jumped straight up, a sudden burst of agility surprising for its size. Dylan slashed at empty air, missing by a hair.
"Shit!" he cursed, rolling aside just in time to avoid the tail that snapped toward him like a whip.
But Élisa had already anticipated the move.
