Nightmare on Elk Street

Beneath the glistening expanse of the midwinter sun, Rakia's icy blue eyes, piercing and judicious, focused ahead. Her breath misted in the frigid air as she crouched low to inspect the hoof shape imprinted deeply into the fresh blanket of snow. Its size indicated an adult bull, mature and strong. But the uneven distribution of weight, evidenced by a deeper trench carved by one side of its track, suggested an injury that hindered its once more balanced movements.

There was no time for discussion, whether the others in the hunting party picked up on that information or not. They were drawing closer to it, the bull's pungent musk mixing with the crisp air and pine scent. She lowered herself to the ground in her stalk, moving as quickly as she could afford while maintaining the adopted stealth. It was simply a matter of time.

"Rakia Perreau"