This world belongs to Kendare Blake, but the characters are original.
14 days before the Quickening
Calista was excited, and she paced around. It was nighttime, and the Arrons were setting up camp. In the mornings, the priestesses, Milones, and Westwoods would wake to find an Arron encampment, not knowing of it until that morning. But by then, the Arrons' strength would already have been shown.
10 days before the Quickening
Calista, Cadence, Caitlyn, and Leia would be the only ones going on the Hunt. The Arrons, the Westwoods, and the Milones would have their hunt five days before the Quickening.
Caitlyn watched as Calista, Cadence, and Leia emerged from their tents. Calista was wearing black leggings and a tight black shirt. Cadence was wearing loose black pants and a black tunic, and Leia was wearing black shorts and a black tank top. Caitlyn, herself, was wearing a black zip-up sweatshirt and black capris, Alene's claws freshly sharpened.
Calista grinned at her as she hefted her crossbow on her shoulder. Leia and Cadence were wearing quivers and held bows, while Caitlyn had nothing but Alene and a small hunting knife. Nakhti wasn't going on this hunt.
A horn blew, and the four queens disappeared into the woods, Calista seeming to melt into the shadows. Cadence was as quiet as death, though Leia made a lot of noise as she tromped through the wood.
After what seemed like a long time, Caitlyn heard something. Calista appeared, her crossbow drawn. Before Caitlyn could react, Calista had fired.
Caitlyn expected to be hit, or for Alene to be hit, but instead, she heard a yelp, and something thudded behind her. Calista leapt past her, ignoring her.
For the rest of the night, Caitlyn was left alone with Alene.