she followed him without question, bodies slipping between the trees side-by-side like twin shadows. the way he tracked was methodical, ancient—something to be taken to heart and revered. she mirrored him in silence, as to allow them to find a rhythm to step to. a pacing.

when he surged the log, she was quick at his heels, landing without sound, eyes immediately locking onto the pair in the clearing.

the doe grazed, half-alert, with a fawn lingered just behind, smaller, softer. easier. a quick death. her gaze slid toward him as he turned, pale light catching the harsh lines of his face. muscle. scars mapped out across his skin like tapestry. he grumbled low, the sound deep in his chest, and she held his stare with a flicker of dark approval.

the fawn, then.

gjalla's tongue passed over her lips, nodded with the soft tip of her chin. she shifted just enough to let the wind slide around her side, angling downwind so that her scent would not betray them.

her tail flicked once, low and brief. confirmation. ready.