Theo yanked his sword from the reptile's body and twisted at the waist, driving a strike into the beast's abdomen.
By the time he landed, the panther had already pounced on the reptile. It raked its claws across the reptile, bit down, and shook its head in a brutal attempt to tear off some of its flesh.
But within seconds, Theo realized the creature's hide was too tough, not just for him, but for the panther as well.
The mantis emerged right away, urgency evident in its movements. Before it could use its skill, Theo stepped back and sent a command through their bond.
'Send the spores first.'
"Tell the panther to fall back, brother!"
Theo shouted, making Lucien hurry as well. The mantis had already sprayed the reptile with the spores.
Its legs turned shaky. Its eyes turned completely green, the pupils vanishing, before it collapsed, still clamping the wolf in its jaws.
Theo took a deep breath and moved forward.
