Chimera Fields All the fear and the fire

Cole stepped back from the fallen doe, his chest heaving and fur soaked in the prey’s blood. A rough satisfaction simmered through him, tempered only by the sight of Arnarkla on the other side of their kill. Her coat, darkened with streaks of blood, gave her an almost feral elegance in the early light, something wild yet striking, her breath coming fast as she collected herself.

He let his gaze linger a moment longer, catching himself before he tore his eyes away, grounding himself in the solid scent of their victory. The hunt’s heat still coursed through him, but he felt a rare and unexpected appreciation as he looked back over their work, and—just barely—a hint of something else, a silent acknowledgment of her skill.

With a low rumble of satisfaction, he gave his head a quick shake, droplets reigning from his jaw. His mouth parted to let out a pant, feeling the adrenaline pump through his blood. 

Fine work, he murmured, voice low, a touch of admiration slipping through.