Tension and Recoil

I found the thick steel coil anchored between the garden gate and the cedar post. Heavy tension. I hooked both foretalons into the fifth rib and hauled backward, digging my rear claws deep into the damp turf. The spring groaned, dark gaps widening between the coils until my wings flared wide for counterweight. I released. The metal snapped shut with a violent, ringing twang that shuddered through the timber and buzzed straight into the ground beneath my feet. Good kick. I waited for the vibration to fade, then stepped in closer to test a tighter pull.