Wolves launched at each other the moment Phoenix gave the signal and I found myself under immediate attack before I had even fully processed that the match had started. A male wolf had charged from the opposite side of the field, his claws swiping at Cel's thick fur. He missed, but I flinched hard in my mind at how close it had been. The noise and movement surrounding me were completely overwhelming, wolves colliding and yelping and snarling in every direction, and I could feel the panic rising fast behind my ribs. I was deeply grateful Cel had control because left to my own devices I would have bolted straight for the tree line without looking back.
She had the male pinned within a few strikes. He grumbled, accepted the outcome, and moved himself to the sideline without argument.
"It is okay," she yipped through our shared awareness. "I have got this."
I know you do, I told her honestly.
