Jade Fern Grove a din to drive beings mad

its breath came harder as blood loss swept in to chill its naked flesh; the rabbit's movements became steadily weaker, and merrick crouched over its body to observe the death. however, he was not to be left to his devices, turning the cool fire of his stare on a young wolf about his own age.
but merrick knew he was set apart, if not by way of his parentage, then his own mind. and so he saw the other as a mere child, confirmed by the wide curiosity in the boy's eyes. "why?" merrick rejoined, meaning it rhetorically, and then looked back to his prey.
a final shudder along the bare, bloodied flank, and the animal was still. brow furrowing, the coywolf nudged it with a stained muzzle. had he removed the skin too quickly? for the moment, his companion went unaddressed.