The Heartwood thief

He resumed his tracking after parting ways with Luke, the male's unique face fading into the background as he focused on the task at hand. He followed the winding creek north, walking against the current as he made his way toward the familiar woodland in the distance. Peregrine glanced at the sky, gauging the hour. If he didn't make a kill soon, he would be forced to turn back and go home empty-handed, which he hated to do.

The dark wolf passed beneath the scanty branches of the Heartwood, pausing to sniff the air, then drop his head to the ground to begin combing the forest floor. As he walked deeper into the forest, he caught sight of something white flashing between the trees and he froze, muscles tense. The wind did not blow in his favor, so he had no way to identify the animal as fellow predator or prey. All he could do was attempt pursuit.

Peregrine hastened his step, feeling decidedly like he was chasing ghosts as his dusky jade eyes scanned the shadowy timberland, ears pressing forward in the hopes of capturing retreating footfalls...