As the sun began to fall below the horizon, the creatures of the forest rose. Little critters scurried and screamed as began foraging; hoping the shroud of darkness would protect them. Silent wings took to the air, listening for a fresh meal. Foxes wandered the night, exploring their territory. Deer pranced through the woods, stopping to stare into the blackness every time a branch snapped underfoot. They could feel an unknown danger creeping through the trees that night. Its scent was everywhere, warning its victims but giving no indication of its whereabouts. Shining green eyes searched frantically in the moonlight for an attacker. A flying squirrel leaping from a tree limb startles the graceful animals, but they do not run. Prancing in circles, ready to bolt, they try to choose a direction. The tiny fawn cries out with fear before being comforted by its mother. A cage of tall wooden bars seems to surround the herd.

Two eyes and grin watch the dance of panic. They enjoy this time the most. Watching their victim understand the danger and have no way out. To see how powerless and weak the noble beasts can become adds a sparkle to each eye. Slow unsheathing his blade, the hunter chooses his target; the unmoving stag. Its antlers light up as the animal turns its head towards the moon. No sound is made as the man leaps from his branch. His blade glides silently through the air before plunging directly into the male deer’s spinal cord. The mother and its fawn run into the night as they hear the stag thud to the ground. The man pulled his blade free, delighting in the warm blood flowing over his stiff hands. Climbing off the corpse, he takes it by the antlers and pulls. The body is dragged through the woods, back to the murderer’s home where the fires of hell wait to consume the ivory bones of another victim of the night.