-Raising Blood-
-Prologue-
It was a cold day in the luscious forest of Ashenvale. The cold nipping lightly at the closed dragon-snap blossoms revealed the true harshness of the winter. The tall sycamore and willow trees echo high above the snow-covered ground. Their leaves already fallen and gone to make way for the fluffy snow's touch.
The proud bear settled in for hibernation, while the large stags and does strip the juicy bark from its mothering tree. All is calm and cool. The small town of Astranaar- home to the night elves- glows faintly with each wisp-like lantern amongst the road.
"It is a cold day in Ashenvale today. Chills me to the bone…" Stargleam mutters, turning away from the window to face her pet rat Momo. Momo squeaks lightly, allowing his head to tilt to the side in a curious manner.
"Come. Let us see if we cannot find you something to eat." Stargleam replies, scratching Momo's head with one finger before getting up from the comfort of the oak chair. She slides a small, curved dagger into its sheath and heads downstairs.
Momo instinctively follows her, allowing her to scoop him up and place him into her backpack. Momo squeaks in protest, but understands the precaution.
Stargleam walks outside of the cozy inn and into the cold of the forest. The crisp air nipping her nose and making it crinkle. She kneels close to the ground and traces the soft snow, trying to stir up any scent of prey.
A familiar scent filled her nostrils, causing them to flare.
Stargleam's eyes narrowed and blazed brightly. Her hands firmly flexing on the snow-covered ground causing imprints to form in the soft powder. Her body curls and curves to the positioning of her bones and muscles.
Her fingers grow thick and close together, ending with razor-sharp claws of black. Her arms and legs curve and bristle out, turning into two pairs of thickly-muscled limbs. Her haunches slim out into the sleek form of a feline.
A long, black tail erupts from the base of her spine, flicking lightly in the cold breeze. Large, curved, feline ears form at the top of her head and a maw of dagger-like fangs juts out from her skull. Black, silky fur coats her whole body.
Her eyes open, revealing a pair of glowing-golden feline eyes. A deep-throat growl escapes her mouth, signaling the hunt is on.
With a swift leap into the air, Stargleam is off, rushing along the snow upon padded paws of jet black fur. Her animal instincts allow her to follow the scent like a bread-crumb trail. Each moment of running through the light snow urges Stargleam to never stop. Her legs race in time, enjoying the sudden pulsing strength her panther form has to offer.
With a quick leap, Stargleam vanishes amongst the snowy crown of a willow tree. The only sign of her distance is an echoing roar from her maw.