Gambit

His relief at hearing Ludo's voice gave way to a surge of hardened resolve. "We need to move. Now," he said, the urgency creeping into his voice despite his efforts to stay calm. He turned his body to face toward their parent’s den, knowing that they may very well need to prepare to make a run for it.

Xairo nodded in agreement with Ludovic's words, his green eyes alight with a sharp determination. The racing of his heart echoed in his ears as he padded forward, his small yet sturdy frame moving seamlessly alongside Ludo’s. He was ready, ready to face whatever was out there, ready to protect his brother and himself against the unseen menace lurking about. But of course, they weren’t left wondering for much longer.

Feeling Ludovic's shoulder press against his own, Xairo locked his gaze on the figure emerging from the shadows of the taiga. The fox was enormous, its heaving sides slick with frost and eyes burning with primal hunger. Xairo could smell its metallic breath; his own was held in his throat as he offered his brother a quick, sidelong glance. They held their ground as the fox slunk closer, its every movement a study in lethal grace. “Do we charge it together?” Xairo whispered, holding his posture with the curl of his lip.

1236 / 1500 words
"Xairo Saxe"