Again it attacked, more cautious now, but just as deadly. And again, I met its violence with precision borne of years of training and battles hard-won. My agility was my shield, my strength my sword.

With a final, desperate charge, the Darkwolf came at me, eyes alight with bloodlust. But its fate was sealed; my blade found its heart, and I watched as the light faded from its eyes. A pang of sorrow laced with necessity twinged within me-I took no pleasure in extinguishing a life, even one so ...