Ground Claim

Joints snapped awake. Heavy. Solid. Directly in front loomed a pale, hulking beast, frozen mid-stalk. Big teeth. Bigger frame. Doesn't matter. I dug my rear talons deep into the carpet and took a stomping stride forward. My jaw unhinged with a low, grating snarl. I rammed my snout squarely against its rigid knee joint. A dull plastic thud echoed out. The giant didn't flinch, didn't fight back—just stood there, hollow. My ground now. I planted both feet firmly between its claws and raised my chin.