Stubborn mule - deer

The mule deer is forced to run between the two wolves, Tove hemming it on the left while Kotori works the right. As the young leader moves up, the older wolf does as well but only to the deer’s midsection. She bites at it, herding it onward. Ko bites it and it kicks out, the nebula-hued wolf easily dodging the errant hoof.

Then the moment comes, the taller wolf jumps at the buck’s head, grabbing at the deer’s muzzle. The chase grinds to an abrupt halt as the earthen male, pulls at the mule deer, working to get it off its hooves and onto the ground. It is stubborn, trying to counter the wolf that holds its face without thinking of his partner.

Silently, Tove moves in, the way that Kotori pulls the buck’s head sideways, reveals the pulsing veins and arteries that lay just below the skin. She strikes with precision and speed, jumping up to rip open all the vital things before landing to grab its left front leg. She pulls the leg and the weakened deer crumbles to the earth, legs trying and failing to strike the creatures that have stolen its life.

She pins its shoulders until the ground is painted with its blood and it shudders one last time before falling still forever. Only then, does Tove step away.


"Tove Baade"