Noctisardor Bypass [raid]I once saw a dragonfly caught in a spider's web

Her intention to lure attention worked remarkably well. No doubt, by the speed at which the darksmoke male approached, the Ursus raid cries had caused panic. He didn't stalk, nor did he call out to interrogate her- he crashed through the snow toward her, giving her enough time to dart away. 

And while she was as swift as a falcon, she'd let him close the gap, prancing on nimble feet for a few moments before she lurched aside. Perhaps she'd waited a moment too long- she was forced into a spin when his shoulder struck her hip, but it was likely for the best that she pivoted on the loose snow. She absorbed a bit less of the impact, and after a brief scramble she lunged away from him. She felt confident she could out-maneuver him, out-pace him, but she did not want to lose him. 

By his scent, which she'd smelled thick along the borders, she concluded that she'd lured none other than the pack's alpha. Not the crown jewel that Merrick sought, but a prize nonetheless. 

Wherever it was he had come from, she doubted he wanted her to go- so she made a beeline for the set of tracks he'd left behind in the snow, hoping perhaps it might lead toward the true treasure she sought. All she'd need to do was keep a step or two ahead of him- and she might just pull her plan off.