The Heartwood Slowly tears you apart

sólhárr saw the miss—kigipigak's teeth slicing air rather than the buck’s hide—and in that fleeting moment, opportunity struck. the buck’s staggering movements left its neck exposed, the pulse of its life force thrumming like a beacon. sólhárr's muscles coiled like springs before he lunged forward with precision born of experience.

his jaws parted wide, and with the force of his weight and momentum, they clamped down on the vulnerable flesh of the buck’s neck. blood spilled warm and metallic into his mouth as he bit down hard, feeling the sinew and veins give beneath his teeth. the creature buckled under him, legs scrambling for purchase that would not come. its movements slowed, strength waning as its lifeblood pooled on the forest floor.

sólhárr held firm, unrelenting until the buck's struggles ceased. only when he felt the body grow limp did he release, stepping back to watch as the beast fell fully to the ground. his breath came in heavy pants, each exhale visible in the cool air as his oceanic eyes turned to kigipigak.

well fought, he said simply, his voice steady despite the exertion. blood stained his jaws, the metallic tang still sharp in his senses, but there was a flicker of respect in his gaze. this had been a worthy hunt, one that demanded strength and skill from them both.

he nudged the buck's side with a paw, ensuring it was truly finished before looking back to his companion. a kill like this is not for one alone. we share it, as hunters should. there was a weight to his words, a silent acknowledgement of the bond forged in the hunt.