The mist clung to everything, thick enough to taste. Kyle's breath came in ragged bursts, each one a little harder than the last.
Then, his sword cut through the air.
The Wendigo swung its axe. Kyle ducked. Rolled. Then came up slashing.
Black blood sprayed.
The creature roared. Kyle was already moving.
They'd been at it for what felt like hours. Both were bleeding. Both were slowing down.
But Kyle was slowing more.
His back was shredded. His side had a gash that wouldn't stop weeping. His whole body was really tired.
`Just... a little... more.`
He activated his skill. His eyes glowed crimson.
Not on himself this time. On the monster.
`Hesitate,` he commanded.
The Wendigo's movement stuttered. Just for a second. Its axe hung in the air.
Kyle lunged.
The blade bit into its neck. Not deep enough. The creature shook off the command and swung again.
Kyle jumped back. The axe whistled past his face.
`Too strong... I can't control it. But I can... distract it.`
