The Sunspire the greater the love, the greater the loss.

The sharpness of his ripe, apple-green gaze ensnared her as they silently appraised one another. She remained motionless, watching for any sign of hostility, but aside from the absence of an inviting grin, there was nothing that warned her he might be unfriendly. 

Her eyes turned, taking note of the doe who bowed down to rest. She looked back to the male, who didn’t bother to return his gaze to her. She saw him gather himself, and made herself ready too- so she might lunge forward at the same moment. 

She didn’t look to him, but kept him in the corner of her eye. If he had any qualms with having an assist, he’d be foolish to blow the opportunity now by veering for her instead- they could squabble over the corpse if necessary, afterward.

Their onslaught was sudden and unexpected. She heard several blasts of air, a warning signal by those on foot and capable of fleeing. The doe, heavy with the lives she carried, might not have the same fortune.