Jaws Unlatched

Stiff jaw... then crackle. A low, gravelly huff broke out from my throat. My hind claws dug right into the flat, pale grain beneath me. Right in front, a shiny dark snout pressed close, frozen mid-clash with a pale beast perched up high. I leaned in, nudged the rigid black snout with my own snout tip, and gave a sharp, testing snap. Solid. Silent. I planted my feet, held my ground, and claimed the open floor.