Ravensblood Forest one fish, two fish

firefly felt the rush of water surging behind him, meredith’s presence like a storm on his heels. he could hear it in her voice—the fire, the challenge, the thrill of the chase. and oh, he lived for it.    

but he wasn’t about to make this easy for her.    

at the last possible second, just as he felt the brush of teeth at his tail, he dug his paws into the riverbed and launched himself forward. the world tilted for a heartbeat—water spraying, gravity pulling—but then bam! his paws struck solid rock.    

he landed atop the boulder that jutted out from the riverbend, his claws scraping for purchase as he skidded slightly before finding balance. chest heaving, he spun, looking down with a wild, triumphant grin.  

close, mer! he called, tail flicking just out of reach. but you really motivated meself to get comfortable in me skin. he laughed, all smug confidence, standing tall like a king claiming his throne.  

the river rushed around the boulder, a natural divide between them. he tilted his head, amber eyes dancing with mischief but hiding the countless nights he spent in the river trying to impress not just her but himself that he was not incompetent.