Faye's POV
The only moment I witnessed Hardy falter was when his human side showed through the cracks. Today, that vulnerability was nowhere to be found.
His boots hit the snow with such force that the earth trembled beneath him. The creatures rushed forward without hesitation, massive jaws gaping wide, razor-sharp claws slicing through the frigid air. He made no move toward his sword. His dagger remained untouched at his side. Instead, he charged straight into their midst with nothing but his hands.
The leading beast threw itself at him. Hardy's fingers closed around its throat, sinking deep into the coarse fur and flesh beneath. A sickening snap echoed through the clearing as he wrenched its neck sideways with brutal efficiency. The creature's body hadn't even begun to fall when the next attacker pounced from his blind spot.
He swung the lifeless carcass like a makeshift weapon, ribs shattering on impact, before launching it into the snow where it landed with a dull, wet thud.
