The drape came down before Nova could regain his footing. He saw its shadow spreading across the mud and lifted his right dagger, but his arm no longer moved as quickly as he expected. The creature folded its wings and drove a pointed claw toward his side. Nova twisted, avoiding the worst of the strike, yet the claw still pierced him below the ribs. A sudden, sharp pain spread through his stomach, and blood ran down the torn fabric of his shirt.
He struck at the drape's arm with his other dagger. The blade cut into its hide, but not deeply enough to make it release him. Nova pushed against its chest with his forearm and forced himself backward, pulling free of the claw. His legs almost gave way when he landed. The creature beat its wings once and rose beyond his reach, leaving him to press a shaking hand against the new wound.
'Damn it. That one went deep.'
