Darkness Awaken: Book 1 - A Hidden Kingdom

Chapter 1 - A mistake

The night had been long and arduous, but finally, as the first rays of dawn touched the horizon, the forest awakened. Birdsong filled the air, a symphony of chirps and trills echoing through the trees. Squirrels scampered among the branches, their tiny paws expertly extracting acorns from their hidden caches. Rabbits and mice, their whiskers twitching with anticipation, emerged from their burrows, their noses sniffing the air for the promise of a satisfying breakfast.

A gentle stream, its waters sparkling in the morning light, flowed through the heart of the forest. Two sleek figures, their silhouettes stark against the backdrop of the dappled sunlight, stood facing each other. It was Jade, a silver she-cat with piercing blue eyes, and Crimson, a handsome black and white tomcat.

"Catch me if you can!" Jade's voice, a melodious purr, echoed through the clearing as she bounded towards Crimson, her tail swishing playfully behind her.

Crimson, his black and white fur rippling with energy, crouched low to the ground, his amber eyes glinting with playful malice. "You'd better run before I eat you!" he growled, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through the air.

Jade, a mischievous glint in her eyes, took off, her lithe body a blur of silver as she darted through the undergrowth. Crimson, a predator unleashed, sprang after her, his powerful legs propelling him forward with surprising speed.

Jade glanced back over her shoulder, her eyes meeting Crimson's with a mischievous spark. A giggle, barely a whisper, escaped her lips as she continued her flight. Crimson, his breath coming in ragged gasps, huffed in frustration but his determination remained unshaken. He pressed forward, his powerful legs carrying him closer and closer to his prey.

"I'm getting closer!" Crimson thought, his gaze fixed on Jade's retreating form. He calculated his next move, his mind a whirlwind of strategy and instinct. Jade, sensing the narrowing distance, let out a sharp cry and pushed herself harder, her slender legs pumping with renewed energy.

Crimson, his heart pounding in his chest, saw his chance. He surged forward, a blur of black and white, his muscles taut with anticipation. But Jade, ever the elusive one, was too quick for him. She veered sharply, disappearing behind a towering oak tree. Crimson skidded to a halt, panting heavily. "I don't have the stamina to catch her," he muttered to himself, his disappointment palpable.

But his competitive spirit wouldn't allow him to give up. "But I have to keep trying," he meowed, his voice laced with determination. He straightened his back, his gaze scanning the surrounding woods for any sign of Jade. He raised his muzzle, inhaling deeply, his keen sense of smell searching for her scent.

"Her scent is fresh, so she is close," he murmured, his voice barely audible. He continued his search, his steps silent and purposeful. A rustling sound, barely a whisper, reached his ears. His ears twitched, and his amber eyes narrowed in concentration. He moved cautiously, his lithe body blending seamlessly with the shadows, until he reached a thick bush. He slipped inside, his scent concealed by the dense foliage. He peered out from his hiding place, his eyes scanning the clearing for any sign of his elusive prey.

And there she was, Jade, her silver fur shimmering in the sunlight, cautiously scanning the area, her blue eyes alert and watchful. A smirk played on Crimson's lips. "I got you now," he murmured, his voice low and menacing.

With a sudden, powerful leap, Crimson launched himself from his hiding place, his body a blur of motion as he surged towards Jade. A loud yowl, a mixture of triumph and excitement, echoed through the clearing. Jade, startled by the sudden movement, let out a sharp screech of surprise. Crimson landed on her back, pinning her to the ground, his weight pressing down on her.