Qeya River longing sun

star eater exhaled softly, dipping her head in quiet acceptance. she did not protest, though the longing stirred in her chest. the thrill of the chase, the strike of fangs against flesh—it called to her as surely as the tide called to the moon. but her body was not her own now, not entirely, and she knew better than to test its limits.
i yearn for it, she admitted, voice hushed like the wind through the pines.
her gaze lifted to his, searching his face. there was no defiance, only understanding. she did not wish to be weak, either, nor a burden upon him or their people. but neither could she deny the ache in her limbs, the slowing of her step, the weight of life growing within her.
i will go, she relented after a beat. but only to watch. i will not risk them.
her lips pressed together, and she looked toward the distant herds, the hunger sparking in her belly at the thought of fresh blood. her tail flicked once, and she turned back to him with a small, knowing smile.
but i will not refuse a share of the kill.

fade?