Despite the rather large turnout of River wolves and a vast diversity in skill and experience, the pack fell together upon the animal in unison. It was clear Orren had been learning in leaps and bounds, for he landed an impressive blow upon the limping animal. Karpos was quick to follow suit, followed by their Queen – even as the pair of flushers rushed to join their pack mates, the three adults had the beast felled, bellowing, and as quickly as it had started, it was over. The leader’s bite to the prey’s neck was enough to damage the vertebrae there, and the stumbling there after and lodged just right. Instant brain death. It was possible the animal had died before it hit the ground.

For the best, Kjors thought – no struggle. A clean death, a death the Mother would approve of. The animal would not be wasted, for what the pack did not eat here would be brought back to the pack’s cache to feed them in leaner times.

With a satisfied noise, the one-eyed male joined the others. “Well done,” he congratulated the group. It was followed by a head bob, indicating the pair of alphas should have first choice of the meal they’d won. It was his plan, yes, but the advisor did understand pack etiquette. There was no need to worry, they would all have their fill. It was a victory for Hearthwood River.

Fade.