Shadewood Even though we know it, everyone remains in play.

Masque crept forward on expertly silent limbs; there was no time for Riley to marvel the prowess of his hunter-wife, but his gaze swept over her in silent awe as the pair came closer to their prospective meal.

There were several. A sow was closest, her children obliviously suckling against her distended belly. Nearby two other sows rooted in the damp earth — and a boar watched over them, his face thinned and grey with age.

Riley shared one look with Masque to confirm she was ready before he burst toward at a long swinging lope. The boar froze and then bolted — he could hear the scattering of other hooves behind him, but Riley targeted the boar with a low growl, aiming for the fat hocks of the round creature.