Flesh And Fur: A Dance With Darkness

2- Marked

The Binding Hunt was about to begin.
Elise trembled with fear and anticipation of what was to come. Her determination to outlast the others and out-maneuver the males was strong. She would pick her own mate and choose her own path in life. She had been secretly training even harder since the Mock Hunt and, while not necessarily confident in her abilities, she was hopeful. She had practiced several paths to her hideout so as not to leave a noticeable trail and to give her a better chance of making it there even if she was thwarted from taking her primary direction by unforseen circumstances. It all came to a head tonight.
Warily, she glanced around her pack. Of all the members, she alone was the only one of age who hadn't transformed.

The lead Alpha and her mate stood atop the gathering rock in their lupine forms; Gothred's grey-brown fur glistening in the dim light next to her mate, Kaedren's softer tan and brown colored pelt.
From their position, they could see the females ready to run, the males ready to chase, and the rest of the pack who could change at will and had chosen to do so, yapping and howling encouragements to those in the Hunt.
On the far side of the living area, those who remained in human form stood, leaning against trees or holding their babies, all excitedly waiting for the festivities to begin.

Or, more likely, she thought, they were waiting for the Hunt to begin so they could partake in the traditional feast and games put on for the spectators to partake in while the hunters and hunted played their game.

Gothred howled long and low, a sign to immediately turn attention to her.
The entire pack was instantly silent, all eyes focused on their leader.

"Welcome, pack, to the Spring Binding Hunt!" She began telepathically. Her voice was calm but jubilant in the minds of all her subordinates, including Elise.
"We are gathered here for the same reason our ancestors gathered here; to watch as our newly fledged adults find their mates... whether by chance or by choice. Regardless of how the night ends, skill will be essential for all involved to prove their worth, not only to your potential mates, but also to yourselves. Any outcome is possible."

Once the moon had risen to its apex, a horn sounded, and the racers surged forward into the darkness, their silhouettes swallowed by the thick canopy above. Elise dashed into the woods, the exhilaration of the chase sending adrenaline surging through her veins. She darted between ancient trees, her footsteps muffled by the soft blanket of leaves underfoot.

As she hastened deeper, a chill enveloped her-an almost otherworldly chill that hinted at the dangers of those waiting just beyond the treeline behind her.

It's just my nerves because of the importance of this run.She unsuccessfully tried to convince herself, trying to quell her inner shaking.

The sound of rustling branches broke through her thoughts. She ducked and crouched behind a thick bush, holding her breath. A figure loomed in the moonlight, slender and shadowy, with eyes that reflected the unnatural glow most of their species exhibited. It was one of the competitors, but something about her felt off. She whispered something unintelligible, then suddenly bolted in the opposite direction as if fleeing from an unseen terror.

Elise heard and saw nothing, but she continued quickly onward, weaving through the trees, her senses heightened. With every step, she felt that eyes may be watching her from the shadows, the whispers of the forest growing more sinister. Suddenly, a haunting scream shattered the silence-one of the racers had been caught. Fear gripped Elise's heart. She could be next.

She focused on the thought of how every step brought her closer to that hidden sanctuary.

Minutes felt like hours of running, her breath coming hot in her rapidly chapping throat. She had good stamina for biped and had taught herself breathing techniques to help her run further without becoming winded, but the adrenaline and fear caused by the Hunt had her forgetting things she knew so well.