Chapter 15: The Unexpected Arrival
The ground trembled again, stronger this time, making the trees around Catherine sway as though the forest itself was alive and shifting. She could feel it beneath her feet, a low rumbling that seemed to vibrate through her bones. The poacher stiffened, his gaze snapping toward the trees, his eyes widening in confusion. The rifle in his hands faltered slightly, as if the earth itself had unsettled him.
Catherine’s heart pounded in her chest. She didn’t dare look away from the poacher, but her senses were drawn to the movement in the trees, the heavy steps that were getting closer. The sound was unmistakable now—it wasn’t the wind, and it wasn’t just the rustle of the animals. Whatever was coming through the forest was huge, and it was coming fast.
For a moment, the poacher looked uncertain, his hand tightening around the rifle as he turned toward the trees. Catherine didn’t know what was happening, but she knew one thing—this was their chance.
The poacher, distracted by the growing rumble, hesitated. His eyes shifted, calculating, trying to make sense of the noise, but Catherine didn’t have time to think. This was her moment. She darted forward, her movements fueled by desperation. Her legs burned as she rushed toward the treeline, clutching the cub tightly against her chest. She didn’t look back, but she could hear the poacher shout behind her, his voice filled with surprise and rage.
“Get back here!” he yelled, but Catherine didn’t stop. She couldn’t.
With every step, she felt the weight of the cub in her arms, its tiny body trembling, but still clinging to her. She had to get them both to safety. She had to find a way out.
The rumbling from the trees grew louder, almost deafening now. Catherine risked a quick glance behind her. The second poacher was still recovering from the shock, his rifle raised, but it was clear his attention was divided. He was distracted by the approaching sound, his posture tense and uncertain.
Then, with a sudden burst of movement, the mother leopard charged forward, leaping toward the poacher in front of her with a speed and power that took Catherine’s breath away. The poacher’s eyes widened in terror as the leopard tackled him to the ground, her growls filled with raw fury. The second poacher hesitated for just a moment, his eyes flicking toward the mother leopard and then back to Catherine, his decision clear.
Before he could act, the rumbling grew louder, and the earth trembled one more time.
Catherine stopped, heart pounding in her chest. Something was coming through the trees—something massive. And it wasn’t the mother leopard.
A shadow loomed, larger than life, stepping into the clearing.
It wasn’t just the mother leopard anymore.
Something much bigger had arrived.