Chapter 11: The Edge of Desperation
Catherine’s heart raced as the poacher continued to kneel at the edge of the porch, his hand brushing the dirt in search of a trail, completely unaware of the danger that loomed just behind him. The mother leopard remained perfectly still, her body coiled and ready to spring into action at any moment. Her golden eyes never wavered from the poacher, but she made no move, watching him as if calculating her next move.
Catherine could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on her. The seconds stretched into minutes, each one filled with the uncertainty of what might happen next. The poacher was too close, and she could already hear the crunch of leaves underfoot as the second poacher moved behind the trees. If they converged on the cub now, there would be nothing she could do to stop them.
Her fingers gripped her phone so tightly that her knuckles turned white. She tried calling the rangers again, but there was no time to wait for them. The poacher in front of her had already come too close to the cub, and the other poacher was still lurking in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike.
The mother leopard suddenly shifted, stepping forward just a fraction. It was a small movement, but enough to catch the poacher’s attention. He froze, his eyes darting to the darkened trees. For a moment, it seemed as though he might turn around, but then he slowly straightened up, his gaze scanning the perimeter.
Catherine held her breath. Please don’t see her. Please don’t see the cub.
But it was no use. The poacher’s eyes locked onto the cub’s small form, huddled on the porch. His lips curled into a smile, one that sent a chill down Catherine’s spine. He had spotted the cub. And worse—he had already made his decision.
In one smooth motion, the poacher reached for the tranquilizer gun strapped to his waist. The mother leopard, sensing the immediate threat, gave a low growl—a warning, one that echoed through the stillness of the forest. It was too late to stop him now. The poacher had already made his move.
Without thinking, Catherine rushed toward the cub, shouting a warning. “Get away from it!”
The poacher’s eyes snapped to her, surprised but not startled. He raised the gun, his finger tightening on the trigger. Time seemed to slow.
Just as he was about to fire, the mother leopard lunged.
It all happened in an instant.
Catherine’s breath caught in her throat. The world around her spun into chaos.
The moment of truth had arrived.