Noctisardor Bypass Deep in the shady sadness of a vale

Wylla shivered in the cold wind that swept through Rivenwood. She'd give anything to get up and go for a jog around the perimeter to warm her bones, but then the rabbit would know she was there. She needed every advantage she could get when it came to land hunting. Hunting was one aspect she hadn't adapted well to after the loss of her eye, so she often fished instead, but the ice in the lagoon was too thick now. She was more hungry than cold. That was what she told herself.

In the snow several feet away, the little rabbit — white as its surroundings — snuffled around for food of its own. Its ears were drooped, relaxed. It hadn't noticed the predator lying in wait. Wylla rocked her hindquarters gently and tried to ignore another blast of wind that cut through her thin coat. If she could only get a step or two closer before losing her nerve to the cold...