Teeth sank into Bilal's flesh, piercing the protective outer skin but not enough to cause his fluid to escape. There was pain, but it wasn't bad. He had no bones, tendons, or muscles, and bites could do little damage. If the beast managed to take a chunk of flesh, however, that could be a problem. Bilal wrapped a tentacle around the beast's neck and speared its underbelly at the same time he flung it through the air.

The wolf came down on all fours with a pained yelp, but he ...