He had learned hunting at a young age and had tried, and struggled, to get better at it. Ein had kept mostly to the city itself, but sometimes food was scarce in the abandoned buildings, or too far hidden to properly get to. Today he found himself against the stiff wall above the city, carefully picking himself across the cliffs. He had seen birds—or bats?—up here, but before, he dare not risk it. Now, however? He was bored and hungry, a dangerous combination.

Concentrating on his magic, he squinted with his single eye to peer into the shadows cast by the cliffs, and sure enough, there was a gathering of small bird-like creatures. Perfect. Nearly melding into the side of the cliff, Ein slunk forward quietly to sneak up on the group. If he could approach quietly enough, quickly enough, he might get lucky and snag one.

Their smell was all around him, from feathers to droppings, and he remained focused on the closest ones. He could feel the adrenaline building in his blood. Ein was hungry and feeling desperate.

He had tried to focus on his magic again but felt nothing except the fizzling of exhaustion begin to cool his boiling blood. No! He sprinted, then, leaping forth from his spot within the shaded rock to charge the flock. But even before he got close to them, the entire group had lifted into the air with a mumbling of coos and the echoing whisper of flapping wings. They rose into the star-like light and Ein could do nothing but stand at the edge of the cliff, panting, staring at their disappearing silhouettes.

No...

He toes curled, claws scraping against rock.

"Damn," he cursed under his breath, laying in the haunt of their warmth with a loud sigh.