Mount Apikuni And I see fire, hollowing souls,

the woman might have thought it, at first. eyes opening to a thin sliver of olive green – could see the moment she realized what she looked at, too, the way she froze in place. she didn’t run. for the best. might not have had the will to resist that target. predator’s instinct still lurked right beneath the skin; didn’t matter how borya pretended otherwise.

her scars didn’t come from nowhere. had been more dogs than wolves at the time, but they had the same look – same teeth. gave the same itch to the deep wounds on her shoulder either way.

she keeps walking. pace slowed, wide head turned to face her, leveling an unblinking stare. no teeth or claws; hardly needs them now, but this woman will know they’re there. just as borya knows she holds her own fangs under that muzzle.

the woman stares back.

“something you need?” borya says. her voice comes out a low rumble, scrapes heavy at her throat.