It was never something he had an easy time doing, that being putting down an animal, but there was a limit to the mercy he could exhibit.
That limit was the bared fangs of the sable, large feline that possessed a size that doubled that of a normal lion. The savage, merciless eyes of a predator that watched him told him all that he needed to know about the intentions of the beast.
It wasn't holding its ground or simply acting territorial, it was scouting out a meal.
As it stepped closer with its paws sinking into the mud below, he moved back with minimal movement and sound in an effort to prevent it from suddenly launching into a spastic assault.
"Rrrrghh…"
Its growls continued, growing louder and more aggressive with hisses pairing with its bare, large fangs.
In his hands, he squeezed the handle of his blade, accepting full well that it would have to taste blood again.
"Just back off, kitty…" He whispered to it.