Emberwood ghost

She did not need further invitation. Redd descended on the kill and ate her full, savoring the warm, fresh taste with carnal ferocity. They ate in silence, and when she was done she retreated to clean the gore from her fur. There was enough for all to eat. Ruckus would have their fill.

A clever hunter and a strong leader. Were she still Wealda she would have pursued him, Redd thought, though the thought was more curiosity than real interest. Her mateship had been for life, but she presumed him to be dead now. The question now was claim, something she had little of here. Others would dominate her for rights now.

Spring was a ways away. Right now she found herself indifferent; only the season’s change would tell.

She did not seek to make conversation. If he wished to stay he was welcome, but she had little to say. Her approval she felt was not needed. He knew the strength of his kill.