Down, down, down

Delaeni's whole body trembled as she felt the reverberations of Azoula's mighty roar echoing through the cavern. Her pointed ears flicked back in response, a mix of fear and nervous tension coursing through her veins. She had followed Azoula faithfully, trusting her instincts and leadership during the hunt, but the sudden turn into an underground labyrinth left Delaeni disoriented. The oppressive darkness seemed to smother her vision, and she relied on every other sense she possessed - her keen sense of smell, her sharp hearing - to navigate the treacherous and unfamiliar terrain. Every step felt like a calculated risk, every breath tense with anticipation. But Delaeni knew that this was the life of a hunter - always adapting, always pushing past one's comfort zone in pursuit of prey. And with Azoula by her side, she was ready for any challenge that lay ahead.

As Azoula turned to face her, Delaeni could feel the heat radiating from the tigress's body as they pressed together. The warmth brought a comforting presence in the midst of their uncertain surroundings. Azoula's inquiry about Delaeni's ability to see in the dark was met with a subtle nod, her golden eyes glinting in the faint light. Although her night vision wasn't as keen as Azoula's, she was still able to make out shapes and navigate through the darkness with ease, relying on her heightened senses and instincts. "I can see a bit, not as well as you, of course," Delaeni replied with a small smile, her teal eyes reflecting a mix of determination and curiosity. "But my nose and ears are still sharp. Maybe we can find our way back using scent markings or listening for any echoes that might guide us." She suggested, relying on other instincts to compensate for the lack of visibility.

Delaeni's slender form took a cautious step forward, her body poised and ready to catch any subtle shifts in the currents of air around her. Her teal eyes, sharp and alert, scanned the immediate area as she moved through her immediate surroundings. Her sense of smell was her greatest ally, and she silently prayed that it would reveal a path that could lead them out of this treacherous labyrinth. The musty scent of damp earth and decaying foliage filled her nose, leaving her very little to discern from it. What were they going to do?

761 / 1500 words
"Delaeni Terblanche"