Qeya River to die for

the boy's carefree laughter reached her ears, but it did little to ease the tight coil of worry that had already taken root in her stomach. her legs carried her faster than her thoughts, pregnancy’s weight pressing her paws into the frost as she hurried toward the edge.
ghelan! her voice rang out, sharp and edged with fear. the boy’s head whipped around at her call, his bounding pace faltering for just a moment. anxiety churned in her throat, nausea rising alongside it, though she forced herself to keep steady.
she began to pace along the edge, her sharp gaze tracking his movements as if to will him to safety. be careful! she urged, her tone dipping into something softer, pleading. the rush of the river’s current seemed louder now, the chunks of ice appearing sharper, more perilous than before.
star eater stopped abruptly, her legs bracing as if to leap forward should he slip. you’ll catch cold—! or worse, she called, her voice firm but warm, laced with the maternal concern she couldn’t suppress. the sight of his small frame against the mighty river’s backdrop sent a shiver through her that had nothing to do with the winter air.