Kyra quickly lowered herself to the ground, taking cover from an uncongenial but huge bramble bush as her prey turned, nose lifted and eyes sharpening in suspicion. She considered the forested landscape with care as she scented the air. She had been so very careful and was sure she had not given herself away. Yet her quarry seemed to sense her presence. Her breath came in short, hard pants and adrenalin sluiced through her as she waited, praying she had not been detected. She had run too hard and risked too much to give up now, pursuing her target over treacherous terrain. He was only a few paces away, but she had made sure to approach downwind, as she had learned.
In the light of the unclouded sky that lent strength to the brilliant stars, his mottled fur flashed with a golden fire. He w
