A Solid Stomp

A deep rumble stirred in my chest. My jaws, locked open in a silent roar, clamped down with a resonant snap. Life. Pure and heavy. I shifted forward, driving my clawed foot hard into the damp moss. The ground held firm beneath my weight. Right before me, frozen mid-dash, stood a small blue creature with sharp quills. I leaned down and pressed my snout directly against its pointed head, testing its resistance. It remained stone-still. I drew a slow breath through the cool mist and held my ground.