Despite her usual desire to stay close to home in the Rise, Kirain found herself wandering—chasing after adventure, or better yet, the possibility of new friends.

She loped through the glen with an easy gait, tail swaying cheerfully behind her, thrilled simply to be out in the open. She’d assumed she was alone, until a flicker of motion caught in the corner of her eye.

Her head snapped toward it, but in her eagerness, her paws tangled beneath her, and she tumbled face-first into the dirt.

She stayed there a moment, gathering herself and quietly processing the embarrassment, before lifting her head to investigate.

Narrowing her eyes, she spotted a small figure lunging at a tree, aiming for the cluster of birds settled in its branches.

Kirain held her breath, eyes wide with anticipation, waiting to see if the little one would catch their prey.