The next trunk took another streak of blood. NineLivesLeft kicked away and marked a third before Alexandra could follow.
Every rebound carried him deeper into the trees, leaving blood across wet bark, low branches, exposed roots, and rocks until the metallic scent spread through the forest.
Kumoe's curious head swung toward one trail, then another. Her nostrils flared, but each breath only gave her more places to search.
Alexandra understood his plan a second too late.
Bloodscent Lock still guided NineLivesLeft to their real wounds, while his own blood now marked dozens of false positions for Kumoe to follow. The rain diluted the color, but it could not clear the smell fast enough.
He attacked from above.
Kumoe's right head barked, and Alexandra raised both swords in time to catch the descending hooks. Metal scraped across metal.
