Frustration. Usually Aanabi would not mind his mother's coddling and his doting sister's constant supervision; he was, after all, the "weakling" of the family. He knew it well. He was fragile - the runt of the litter, and forever his family's burden for being so, well, plain. But today was different. He would show them all.
The sun was just beginning to rise, and he could feel the soft earth liven beneath his claws as if waking to the new day. Birds chirped excitedly as the sun bled into the horizon, welcoming the morning: a new chance for Aanabi to prove himself.
As he skirted the border of the Pridelands, his mind raced. He would show them. His claws dug deep into the grass, feeling the earth's heart beat, practicing an art his mother and father had once given up on teaching him. The wind rustled his fur, whipping his long mane. He was down wind. Perfect for catching prey... if only he could find some. Suddenly a rustling sound attracted his attention, and Aanabi's head jerked quickly in its direction.
Prey. What fun.
Maybe today would be a good day after all.