With Twitch veering left, Kirain shifted right, placing each paw carefully so as not to disturb the debris scattered across the ground. Once she found a suitable angle, she sank into a crouch, poised to spring, giving her companion time to ready herself as well.

She counted the silent beats. One. Two. Three.

Then, with all the speed she could muster, she lunged. Her angle carried her straight into the flock of quail, jaws snapping eagerly. She missed on the first strike but pressed on, paws skidding as she surged forward, snapping again. This time she caught a bird by the leg. It flapped frantically, crying out in a desperate bid to escape her jaws. But Kirain held firm, steady, and swiftly put an end to the fowl’s suffering.

Clutching her prize, her eyes lit up, she had done it! She hadn’t ruined the hunt, not this time. At last! Casting a quick glance over her shoulder, she searched to see if her companion had fared as well.