Esa

The silence was shattered by a violent green flash and thunderous report that reverberated through the pristine wilderness. He was an open target. A Schenzott ambush! He dove for cover. When no attack followed, he cautiously arced around behind where the Schenzott AM5Pulse-gun had been fired. On higher ground, overlooking the small clearing, he observed a solitary Shenzott Hunter below. It had been neutralized, triggering its emergency signal. More Schenzott Hunters would be vectoring in soon.

He quickly understood why this patrol had been so necessary. Why he had ventured out so very far. It was all for a much greater purpose. There were two natural born females. One lay lifeless within a deadly Ansolex Trap. The other, nearer the Schenzott Hunter, had been shot point-blank through her upper shoulder. She had lost sufficient blood to weaken her, but her sapient eyes had already made a deeply revealing connection within his own steely gray eyes. Much was exchanged, with no words spoken, as he approached. So few left, he thought. With such great courage and strength, she'll be welcomed as family among us for as long as she wishes.

He then salivated freely into her wounds and clamped his mouth down firmly. The wounds began closing. She would transform well, her gifts enhancing a hundredfold. Sensing the fluctuating air, he knew Schenzotts were approaching at extreme speed. They would soon arrive overhead. Esa, High Lycan Mage, steadily trotted deeper into the forest. Talga quickly followed.

Neither would die this day.