But right then, the wolf evaporated.
[ Mountain Land ] fell silent.
Lancet looked over his shoulder and saw Astensia looking down at him with a smile. "That was impressive. You managed to get three of them."
"Thanks," he replied, tasting sand.
Lancet pushed himself up onto his hands and knees. His chest heaved, his torso completely covered in grey dust and sweat, his muscles burning from the sudden burst of exertion.
He spat a mouthful of dirt onto the bedrock, then grabbed the hilt of his sword and forced himself back to his feet, swaying slightly before locking his knees.
He and Astensia locked gazes. "I wanna do it again."
By the mountain face, Thor unfolded her arms, her silver-blue eyes narrowing. That drew her to watch more closely.
Lancet faced the four Mountain Wolves again.
This time, he did not rush.
