Qeya River But often it happens, you know

star eater's eyes softened with his words, the corners of her mouth lifting faintly. she stepped forward, inspecting the young ram with a discerning eye before her gaze returned to ridgeback—grateful.
thank you, she said simply, earnestly.
it was a rare thing for her to accept help so freely, but this was a gift. one she would not waste. the weight of carrying new life within her had begun to burden her body. her hunger grew faster than she could hunt, and she knew sun eater’s eyes watched her closely, always. this offering lightened that weight, if only for a day.
she exhaled a breath that carried warmth into the cold air, and with it, a hint of amusement at his jest. if he complains—i will tell him to piss off for you.
her tail gave a small wag, playful but brief. then, a more serious note touched her tone. this is a good kill. it will feed us well. you took this down by yourself?
she stepped aside, inviting him closer if he wished, but did not demand it. instead, she began to tear into the ram’s side, blood staining her pale muzzle. a glance upward to him, eyes glinting.