Writing Prompt: Twilight

Twilight. My favorite time of day. No headaches from squinting through the brightness and glare of the sun. No burning of my eyes and skin as the golden rays bear down on me. The giant orb drops just below the horizon and the world comes alive around me. Colors are richer, shadows darker, and I see the movement of even the smallest prey from yards away. Creatures of the day are settling down for sleep, while those of the night stir to life.

I saunter out of my den and slink through the shadows to stay hidden. My black fur melding with the darkness. Only the glint of my green eyes in the dying light could give me away to the surrounding creatures. I am like a wraith hidden amongst the shrubs and grass of the forest floor, a silent killer.

A twig snaps to my left and my body reacts instinctively. Ears flatten against my head, muscles tense, and body falls into a crouch. I am ready to pounce or sprint away instantly if danger reveals itself. I hold back the growl threatening to crawl up my throat. A doe stumbles out of the trees mere feet from my refuge and grazes on the luscious green grass. I silently thank The Huntress for allowing my prey to approach downwind of my skulking form. Otherwise, my scent would have alerted the deer to my position.

I study the oblivious venison as she steps gingerly around the small glade, ripping the greenery from the dirt with her teeth. I breathe slow and steady, winding my muscles in preparation of the perfect angle. A little closer. One step to the left... I spring forward, mouth agape.

The moment soft pelt meets my tongue, I snap my jaws shut. My teeth sink into the soft flesh of her neck, flesh tears, and metallic liquid fills my mouth as my momentum carries me around the deer, tugging her from her slender legs. I twist my body in midair and land against her flailing side, slamming her into the ground. My weight drops onto her struggling body, and I clamp my jaws tighter around her throat. I close my eyes and wait for the movement to cease. The pulse in her neck weakens, her thrashing lessens, her raspy breath stifles. When I am sure the doe is lifeless, I release my hold.

I lick the blood from my maw and turn my eyes to the sky. I watch the last glow of dusk fade to evening. The Huntress blessed me this twilight. I will eat well and grow ever stronger, hoping to see the next twilight.