In a single, fluid motion, his hand flew to the hilt of his sword. Steel sang as it kissed the moonlight, a silver flash splitting the darkness.
From the tangled shadows, a shriek ripped through the stillness. A blur of fur and fangs launched itself at him, its eyes blazing with feral hunger. Claws, like honed daggers, scraped the air mere inches from his face.
"Ugh!"
Qiao Wei spun on a dime, blade flashing as he deflected the beast's strike. Razor-sharp claws hissed past his ear, missing by a hair's breadth. But not quick enough. The beast's back claw found purchase, ripping through his right sleeve in a shower of crimson snow. Ignoring the throbbing pain, Qiao Wei launched an attack at his furry opponent, forcing the creature back with a flurry of steel.
The first beast let out a howl. Its cry for help triggered the other two beasts to pounce at Qiao Wei as well.
