A rat or?

Kaden lunged.

The hawk dived again, talons outstretched. Closer. Closer.

Kaden threw himself forward, twisting his body to fit. His wiry tail barely slipped inside when—

THUNK.

The hawk's talons slammed into the dirt, sending up a cloud of dust, just inches from where he had disappeared.

Kaden held his breath. His small body trembled, muscles twitching as he forced himself to stay still.

The hawk flapped its wings, letting out another frustrated cry. It pecked at the ground, clawing at the dirt, but the entrance was too tight for it to reach. After a few moments, it gave up, launching itself back into the sky.

Kaden exhaled shakily.

That was way too close.

His claws scraped against the damp earth as he adjusted himself, taking a moment to process what just happened. No mana. No combat skills. Just pure instinct and speed.