Heron Lake Plateau you should see me in a crown

mictec moved in perfect sync with the chaos, a silent force weaving through the snow. She did not rush. there was no need. the test had already begun, and she had already decided how it would end.  

the elk stumbled, its bad leg faltering beneath the weight of its own fear. that was all the proof she needed.  

with a sharp burst of speed, she lunged. not for the throat—that was ker’s kill to make. no, she aimed low, her fangs finding the tender flesh of the weakened leg. a precise, merciless bite. the elk buckled, its body twisting as it fought against inevitability.  

mictec released just as quickly as she struck, retreating a step, her breath curling in the cold. now, it was ker’s turn.  

would he take the opening she had carved for him? would he falter?  

marigold eyes flicked to him for only a fraction of a second, unreadable yet expectant. she had played her part. now, she would see if he could finish what they had started.