Wapun Meadow anywhere else is hollow

The command in his voice left little room for argument, but Kirain couldn’t suppress the stubborn fire flaring in her chest. She hadn’t done anything to warrant such a strong reaction. And who was he to order her out of their hunting grounds? Not even their core territory, just the outskirts where they scavenged for food. Her tail flicked sharply behind her, a clear display of her displeasure with his harshness. So much for being neighborly.

Still, she hesitated, her mind battling itself. Did he truly have the right to dictate her actions? Her ear twitched as her silver gaze swept over his towering form, assessing him with a mix of defiance and caution. In a fight, she’d stand no chance, she was far smaller than most, tiny in comparison to him. Her strength never her greatest asset. But the thought of running again made her stomach churn. She was tired of turning tail and fleeing every time she felt threatened.

With a sharp inhale, she chose the next best option.

Good day, she said brightly, her tone deliberately cheerful. Without waiting for his reaction, she turned and continued trotting across the meadow, her stride steady and purposeful. She’d been sent to investigate, and investigate she would, whether he approved or not.