[private] i got addicted to a losing game

[bolder]

Bolder crouches lower to the ground and begins to move slower, lifting each limb more carefully than the last.

He's never done any of this before and yet he finds that it is so easy to succumb to instinct. The adolescent continues to look towards Mazikeen for guidance - as the Alpha and the more experienced shifter - but each step that he takes towards the shrubs is more sure than the last.

The chestnut wolf even slows his breath, making sure that he remains silent and downwind from the rabbit that Maze had trotted off after. His silver eyes fix on the brambles and branches, peering through the shades of green for any sign of movement. He can feel his nerves lighting up and the young shapeshifter wants to move.

He wants to chase.
He wants to -

No, Bolder tells himself. It was one thing to wear the skin of a wolf. But he was not a wolf and the rabbit they catch will be let go, as Mazikeen had said. One sienna ear pricks towards the sound of the Alpha's yip and the boy rocks back on his haunches, ready to spring into a run at the first of the rabbit bursting into the open meadow. It passes by him as Bolder reaches to grab it but it doesn't deter him. The young wolf sprints after the small creature, opening his stride as the rabbit quickens its pace.  There is only so much space in this meadow and Bolder can sense that if the rabbit makes it back to the trees, he will lose his chance to catch it.

Spurring himself forward (though he keeps wondering about the Alpha - where is she?), Bolder finally leaps and catches the mammal between his sharp teeth. It screams loudly and the moon-marked wolf bites down in surprise, until the thing no longer moves at all.

@Mazikeen