The bear's head swung toward them, jaws opening wide, steam curling from its teeth as the ice cracked beneath its weight.
Sera hit first.
She slammed into its shoulder with both feet, claws raking deep.
Muscle tore in thick strips beneath her, hot blood spraying in an arc. The beast reared, bellowing a roar that rolled like thunder across the flats. The vibration shook frost loose from the ridges.
Alexei dove low, claws digging into the ice, then surged up under its ribs.
His weight slammed into flesh, teeth closing around a fold of skin thick as leather. He tore free with a savage jerk, ripping away a mouthful of meat.
Hot blood gushed, coating his face. The taste hit his tongue like iron lightning, sharp and wild.
The paw the size of two dinner plates came down.
