Suddenly, Kaya felt all the hair on her body stand up. A cold shiver crept down her spine. It was the same feeling she had when she'd come face-to-face with death during her service—unmistakable, bone-deep fear.
Her body moved on its own.
Slowly, cautiously, she turned her head, scanning the area. Nothing. No clear threat. But her instincts screamed otherwise. Something was out there.
And then—her eyes met Cutie's.
He was frozen.
His usually soft, innocent eyes were now wide with terror, locked on something behind her. That alone told Kaya enough.
He felt it too.
And then—she saw it.
In the dense darkness, hidden just beyond the bushes… a pair of golden eyes gleamed, unblinking, staring straight at her.
Predator.
Without a second thought, Kaya grabbed Cutie's hand and bolted, sprinting at full speed toward the direction she remembered—the only place she saw might offer some cover.
And just as her feet pounded the forest floor, the sound followed.
