Toklo, Lusa, and Yakone streaked along beside her. The other side was close. One leap and she’d be clear. “Chenoa!” Toklo’s panicked cry made Kallik skid to a halt. Through the driving rain, she could see Chenoa still crouching on the other side. “Chenoa! Hurry up!” A firebeast thundered over the horizon. Kallik caught Toklo’s gaze. It was wild with panic. “I’ll get her!” she called. “No!” Toklo began to turn. Kallik glimpsed Lusa stumbling beside Toklo. She doesn’t have the strength to cross on her own! “Help Lusa,” Kallik barked at Toklo. “I’ll go get Chenoa!” She swung around, away from Toklo, Lusa, and Yakone. “Kallik! No!” She ignored Yakone’s angry howl and raced back for Chenoa. “Leave me!” Chenoa cringed, flat against the ground. “Don’t come back!” Her glazed eyes were lost in terror. “You’ll die!” The glittering face of the firebeast raced closer. Kallik’s paws burned as she pelted across its path. The stink of it choked her.
