Schemes

The three of them tried every trick to lure the female beast away during the fight, but she wouldn't budge. Her motherly instincts kept her close to the nest, never straying farther than 30 meters.

Even if she moved beyond that, it would always fly back, no matter what, taking hits as it did.

"Sh*t!"

Milo, the close-combat fighter, was already bleeding from several cuts.

Elsie's voice crackled through his earpiece, and the news was worse: "The male beast's figured something out and is heading back. We can't stop him!"

Kolan's face tightened. "What now?"

Right then, a calm voice joined in over their comms. "Keep at it, everyone. I'll try to lure the cub out. Whether it works or not, retreat in five minutes."

Lyra had managed to get near the nest without them realizing. She waved at them, signaling her plan.

Milo scowled. "What took that girl so long?"