we are the cursed

The struggle rages on, Caedes is locked onto the tiger — his focus unwavering despite the pain coursing through his body. His shoulders are bleeding crimson onto the ground, his obsidian maw dripping tiger’s blood from every bite and tear he makes.

He knows he must keep fighting, must keep pushing himself beyond the limits of his endurance. This isn’t even the worst he’s gotten, but the beast is strong, and he’s working over time to keep it from latching onto his neck.

But why work harder when you could work smarter? It was giving him all the clues he needed. A fire strikes out, delivering a hard smack to the tiger's jugular; making it cough in response and it falters due to the hit in the neck. Swiftly, he aims for the vulnerable spot at the creature's throat, focus honed for the kill. And purchase is made. He bites down hard, hears a crunch too.