In that moment, I was grateful for the vixen’s company. She was small, yes, but as a skilled hunter, I knew all too well how sharp her teeth felt. I had been bitten by them more than once.
Now, I was relieved not to be the one receiving the bites, but rather our enemy.
Even though I probably couldn’t count on her protection, since we still didn’t get along well, I felt a certain sense of gratitude toward the animal, as long as she protected Dante.
When I looked back, I met her gaze and, following a sudden impulse, gave her a nod.
Oh dear, the panic must have gone to my head.
I turned my attention back to the danger that still refused to show its face. However, I already had a suspicion, which was confirmed in the next moment as the grizzly stepped out of its hiding place.
Almost reflexively, my hand shot to my quiver. I grabbed an arrow and nocked it in one swift movement. I aimed at the first weak spot I could find, released the arrow and hit.

Blood dripped into the snow, and an angry roar filled the air.

For a brief moment, the bear seemed too startled to react but then it charged at me.
Of course, I tried to dodge as best I could, but my leg felt like a carriage had rolled over it.
Still, I tried to lead the bear in the opposite direction from my cousin, and it worked well ,by now, the bear must’ve developed a real hatred for me.
But there was one flaw in my plan, the part I hadn’t considered: my leg, and the slower running speed that came with it.
The bear quickly gained ground, and soon it was much closer than I would’ve liked.