The squawking and clicking of claws stopped. Glancing back, she saw the raptors converge and file after her; but they did not try to overtake her. The reason became clear when she reached the end of the glade, and the mysterious animal emerged into moonlight.
It was another raptor—still mimicking the voice of its prey.
Seeker cried out, skidded, and cut sideways. Too late. The snarling predators—now of sufficient number—fell upon her, the closest one leaping onto her back, raking the flesh with its sickle-claws.
She moaned and rolled her eyes, saw another sweep up beside her. It struck at her underbelly and she swerved, knocking it off its feet. It squealed beneath her elephantine pads and disappeared behind them. She pushed ahead—blood dotting the snow—aiming for the forest on the sout
