Sweet Talk

Absinth's eyes gleamed with feral pride as she watched Araxina throw herself into the bear with relentless determination. The scent of blood grew thicker, an intoxicating aroma that fueled their shared bloodlust. Araxina's small body thrashed with a fury that betrayed her size, and though her strength was not yet enough to rip flesh from bone, her tenacity was undeniable.

“That's it, Xina, just like that!” Absinth's voice carried over the chaos, a mix of encouragement and command as she threw herself back at the ursine. Her own fangs sank deeper into the bear's side, tearing into the beast's flesh with savage precision. She could feel the creature's resistance weakening, the pain and blood loss taking their toll. She was mid-bite when it happened.

Araxina's yowl cut through the air as the bear, in a final act of desperation, flung her aside. Absinth's heart clenched, a brief moment of maternal fear slicing through her battle-focused mind. But then she saw her daughter land, twisting but undeterred, and her pride surged anew. “You're a fucking fighter, Xina!” The monochromatic woman snarled, her own voice rough with exertion and satisfaction as she moved to nip, bark, and snap at the bear to keep its focus.

The bear stumbled, its movements growing more erratic and desperate. Absinth kept up her relentless assault, her muscles straining as she tore into its vulnerable spots without help – asides from her young daughters. Araxina's renewed attack was wild, feral, driven by an almost mindless bloodlust Absinth recognized well. It was the girl's fathers bloodlust. Aresenn’s affliction. Xina latched onto the bear's ankle, her tiny teeth and claws finding purchase in the blood-soaked fur.

Absinth moved to flank the bear, her movements fluid and deadly. She had time to think about that later. “Stay with it, girl! Keep that fire burning!” She barked, her eyes never leaving her daughter as she calculated the implications of this outburst of violence. The bear's struggles grew weaker, its roars turning to whimpers of pain. The snow beneath them was a crimson canvas, painted with the bear's blood and their shared savagery.

With a final, powerful surge forward, Absinth sank her fangs into the bear's throat, crushing its windpipe in a death grip. The bear's body convulsed, a last, desperate attempt to throw off its attackers, but it was too late. Absinth felt the life drain from the beast, its struggles ceasing as it succumbed to their combined fury. Panting, blood-soaked, and triumphant, Absinth released her grip and turned to Araxina with a chunk of flesh falling from her maw. “You did it, Xina. You fucking did it.” She said, her voice a mixture of pride and ferocity. “Remember this feeling, this power. It's in you, always.” Emeralds gleamed with satisfaction, challenge, and pride unto her little girl.
wormwood