Exchange

"The hunt is blood. The hunt is life."

The words had the sound of a ritual call-and-response, but none of the assembled audience took up the chant. They stared wide-eyed at the antlered figure in leather and skin as he paced on cat-soft feet.

"To hunt is the savage joy of sinew, blood, bone, and breath. To hunt is to become one with the hunters and hunted alike. It is, in a way, a gift. You will give me the hunt." He smiled, wide. His teeth were sharp and jagged. Predator's teeth. " In return, I grant you this: Run."