Red stalked through the dense forest, his keen eyes scanning the underbrush for any sign of his prey. As a former soldier and now a skilled hunter, he knew these woods like the back of his calloused hand. The crisp autumn air filled his lungs as he moved silently, his weathered boots barely making a sound on the damp earth.
Suddenly, a flash of color caught his eye. There, just ahead, was a young woman, her long dark hair billowing behind her as she ran. She was clearly lost and frightened, her delicate hands clutching a small bundle to her chest. Red's heart quickened at the sight of her, his body responding to the primal urge to chase and claim.
He broke into a run, his powerful legs eating up the distance between them. The girl heard his approach and glanced back, her eyes wide
