Slash

"And I promise... you're going to wish I hadn't."

The Mooncat responded with a low, bone-vibrating rumble that rolled through the air like a sinister lullaby. It wasn't a sound of fear or intimidation—it was anticipation.

Now, no matter how confident I felt—I wasn't arrogant enough to forget reality.

I felt confident, sure—but I wasn't stupid enough to forget what I was really up against.

I was level eight while this beast was level fifteen.

A monster not only higher in power but born in this nightmare forest, crafted by its laws, familiar with its terrain.

One mistake. That's all it would take. A bad blink, a wrong read, and I'd be nothing but blood on leaves.

I readied myself focusing on the beast, then the Mooncat lunged, it motion fast, like a blur of muscle and fur.

Its paw came swinging for my face, claws extended, sharp enough to open my skull like a tin can.