Jaws snapped forcefully closed on empty air, and the action reverberated loudly in my brain. The younger girl was quicker, seemingly more experienced in hand to hand combat than me. I had underestimated her - another mistake I would never make again. Rather than let the sting of my failed attack discourage me, however, I continued to push into her space, snapping at the air and forcing her to retreat. The vicious girl slowly retreated, her head lowered slightly, but I did not let it go to my head this time. I did not relent, dogging her every step and paying close attention to each move she made. Pain radiated from the wound to my shoulder, but the adrenaline that coursed through my body made sure that it only hindered my movements to a slight degree. I had no idea the soreness and stiffness that was waiting for me in the hours and days to come. Right now, my only focus was driving this malevolent creature from the mountains and ensuring she did not come back.

This time, when she lunged again, I was ready. I abandoned the snapping movement I had been using to drive her back and threw my body to the left so as to relieve the weight from my injured right shoulder. My movement was quick, and I heard the click of her jaws as they shut on empty air as I tucked my chin even lower to protect my throat. Turning my head back to face her head on, a snarl ripped from my throat and I snapped at the air once more. I refused to be deterred from driving her out of the pack lands. Once more the girl had retreated a couple of steps, just out of reach. At this point the fur all along my spine was standing on end, and my tail remained lifted above my back. There was no chance that I would stand down to this mongrel, this beast who had dared to enter Spirane and attack one of my guests.

Once more I stepped towards her, but as I put weight on my right leg I felt the ache in my shoulder as it began to overpower the adrenaline that had originally dulled it to a degree. Sunset rimmed eyes glared at the girl, my lips still peeled back as the bridge of my nose quivered with the constant growls and snarls I emitted. As she stood opposite to me I began to realize what a complete waste of time ramming into her had been - I hadn't done her any real damage that she would carry with her as a reminder not to mess with me - or Spirane. Meanwhile my shoulder still bled, unable to begin clotting due to movement. And though I realized that to attack again would be foolish, setting myself up for further injury, I refused to turn tail and flee like some coward. So I did the only thing I could, the only thing that would ensure this girl would leave - I ceased my snarling to let lose a series of barks and short howls, summoning whatever strong members of the pack were nearby to my aid. And though I felt the sting of defeat welling deep inside my chest, I did not let it enter my eyes, which were kept fixated upon the girl as I stared her down. I was daring her to stick around long enough to see what would happen next. But as the sound of multiple wolves approaching began to fill the air, the girl gave me one last look - one that clearly stated this wasn't over - and disappeared.

ooc; ending departure pre-approved by ayita.