"Mom—Mom, it's not stopping!" Bill's voice rose to a terrified shriek. "It's gonna—oh God, it's gonna push me off!"
Bill backed up until his heels hung over the edge. One more step and he'd fall.
Bullets tore into its flank, shoulder, and hind leg—each impact making the beast flinch, but it refused to stop. Blood sprayed. It snarled, crawled, eyes fixed on Bill like he was the only thing in the world.
"Bill—run! RUN!" Mira screamed, tears streaming, emptying the magazine. Click. Click. Click. Empty.
The pistol fell from her numb fingers.
Bill's heels hit the edge. One more step and he'd fall.
"Mom—!" His voice cracked in panic.
Mira ran forward—straight toward the lion—sobbing hysterically.
"No—no—no—Bill—please!"
