The Heartwood eye for an eye, heart for a heart

Heightened—her mind trailing to consider the prowess of warrior men that laid claim to Forneskja in this moment—only to hear the gentle crunch of paw steps upon forest foliage. Amber eyes scoured the onset of night, only to fall upon a shadow of darkness roving ever closer.

He did not seem to see her just yet—her heart jumping at first conclusion that her previous lover had perhaps decided not to trail so far from her as previously believed. But this one was different—a pelt slung across his broadened form—bright moonglow eyes rather than the hint of blue.

She slithered closer to the ground—an exhale given, considering this moment. The garb that adorned him reminded her of the comrades she had recently just slunk from and the brethren they were tied to, but she didn’t recognize him.

Rolling once across the snow and forest floor, as if she could mask herself partly—she waited—testing how long it took for the man to realize he was not alone in this otherwise abandoned woods.