Mirabelle was on her back before she could even blink.
With an OOF, all the air escaped her lungs after Silas grabbed her and threw her onto the bed.
Laughing, she propped herself up on her elbows and shot the panther a challenging look.
"What makes you think it's your turn?"
She nodded at him the way two opponents might before a duel.
Behind him, the image of the panther grinned in amusement, every knife-sharp tooth on display.
With a hiss, Silas lunged toward her.
But she wasn't about to make this easy. Mirabelle pushed herself upright until she was crouched on the mattress.
Every muscle in her body was taut. Ready to explode into motion.
Her tail swayed behind her, openly challenging him while simultaneously helping her maintain her balance.
Silas froze. His ears flattened.
Automatically, he shifted into a slightly crouched stance.
His shoulders rolled forward.
His arms came up in front of his body.
