The wolf howled again, daring the cat to come closer. The cougar hissed, the hari on its back rising. The two began to circle each other, waiting for the moment to strike.
The cat struck first, lunging at the canine, claws extended. The wolf leaped to the side, dodging the attacker with ease, before launching itself, teeth bared, at the now exposed flank of the cougar.
I smiled. I was rooting for the wolf, and it looked like this was going to be over very quickly.
However, things did not go as planned, and the sound of claws tearing through flesh hit my ears as the cougar raked its claws at the wolf, digging into its snout and shredding its way through its shoulder and side.
I tensed. The world slowed. Before I could think, I sprung from my viewing space towards the battle. Before the cougar's claws had left the wolf's flesh, I grabbed it by the neck and threw it against a nearby tree.
The tree shattered into wood chips.
I turned back to the wolf, who lay on the ground, its breath labored. If it were left there, it would surely not survive long.
Ignoring the scent of the wolf's blood, I carefully picked it up in my arms. It did not resist.
I grabbed the limp wildcat, I still needed to feed, and ran back to the house.