A lion pounced — the middle one with the braided mane — and this time the young panther didn't move fast enough. The lion's jaws clamped down near his shoulder, teeth sinking deep. The panther's snarl cracked into a pained howl, but instead of retreating, he lunged forward with wild, desperate strength and rammed the lion straight into a tree.
Once.
Twice.
Thrice.
The impact shook leaves loose like rainfall, but surprisingly, the lion didn't release him. Even after being slammed into the trunk two times, it clung on stubbornly, claws dug into the panther's ribs.
Lavayla narrowed her eyes.
At the base of the tree, something glinted. A thick, jagged piece of wood — broken, sharp, and stained with fresh blood.
He's not just ramming him.
He's trying to impale him.
Before she could process that brutal bit of strategy, the panel before her flickered.
Ding!
[New Mission: Assist the Shadowclaw Panther Tribe in their fight against the Sunmane Lion Tribe and ensure their victory.]
