Chapter 17 - 17

A split-second later, the lion roars, its sound deep and guttural, and the animal is upon you.

You have your arms crossed in front of you, protecting your face and neck. Your blood is rushing in your ears, deafening you to everything but the bare essential of your own breathing.

You gasp as the animal's canines meet on your right forearm. At first, there is no pain, just a hot, surprised flash. You feel tendon and sinew shredding, muscle detaching, bone splintering.

Then the pain comes to you as a wave, absolute, all-encompassing.

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