Every one of its attacks missed. Every time, it was inexplicably struck in return. The blows weren't powerful, but the accumulated damage, combined with the mental humiliation and frustration, made it dizzy and unsteady on its feet.
Finally, after Xiaojiu once again circled to its flank and landed a rapid series of slaps on the same side of its cheek and ear, the leopard lost its footing completely. With a THUMP, it fell sideways into a pile of firewood beside the sheep pen, kicking up a cloud of dust.
It lay sprawled in the hay pile, gasping for breath. Its amber eyes were filled with confusion, astonishment, a sense that it was questioning its very existence as a leopard, and a sliver of undeniable fear.
'Who am I?'
'Where am I?'
'What just hit me?'
'A cat??'
"Alright, Xiaojiu, that's enough."
Yang Qi's voice rang out at just the right moment, tinged with amusement.
