The Dawn of Snow
an excerpt

They rolled out of the cave all teeth and claws. Tumbling down the slight rise, they rolled apart a moment before leaping at each other. Jaws snapped shut. One rolled away coughing up a face full of hair. They began to circle, taking stock of their own injuries and those they had inflicted on each other.

“Your time has come Snow. Give it up.” He spat the words, the saliva mixed with blood. His black fur was greased with blood but it was hard to tell where he'd been injured.

Snow circled. His left leg was injured, blood ran down turning his white coat red and pink. Moonless Night had no intention of backing down, so he had to finish this tonight. He had to sense each attack, watch for the tell tale bunching of muscle before a leap, the placement of footing. Reactions were only part of the battle, they saved you in a tight spot but ultimately to win you had to out think your opponent. Flailing legs and snapping jaws would only send you home with a bruised ego.

Night's legs shifted as they continued to circle each other. Their eyes locked for a split second, hatred shone bright as Night launched himself at Snow. Night flew through the air but Snow had anticipated the action, rolling under Night. His jaws clamped down and a ripping sound was accompanied by a howl of pain as Night passed over head, landing with a roll and scramble of legs.

Blood dribbled down his face as he rolled up into a pounce, Night was injured now and his chance had come. He stopped.

Wincing with pain Night said “I told you. TOLD YOU! you couldn't win. You never listen.” From out of the cave two heavy set wolves marched Dawn from the cave. “You'd already lost this from the beginning” Their anticipation gave them away, it was heavy in the air as they stepped in closer behind Snow.

“You ba-”

“Careful” His eyes wild with the pain “You might just regret those words” At the slightest dip of his head the two wolves leapt.

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