Darkness Awaken: Book 1 - A Hidden Kingdom

Chapter 3 - Pursued by Hidden Danger

The sun was high in the sky as Crimson hid behind a thick group of shrubs, his sharp senses alert and perking in several directions. He listened intently for any approaching footsteps, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. Suddenly, he spotted a large blue jay hopping towards a pile of seeds, its vibrant feathers shimmering in the fading light. Crimson licked his lips, imagining the delicious taste of the bird.

With cautious steps, he crawled forward, lightly resting his paws on the soft grass to avoid alarming the jay. He approached slowly and quietly, his heart pounding with excitement and hunger.

The jay didn't seem to notice him until he stepped on a fallen tree branch, making a faint crunch noise. The jay cawed and then flew away, its powerful wings beating rapidly.

Crimson leaped into the air, thinking quickly and motivated by his intense hunger. He chased after the bird, his sharp claws sinking into its back before it could fly away. The jay shrieked and flapped its wings in an attempt to flee, but it was weakened.

Crimson shifted all of his weight to the bird, causing it to collapse to the ground. He took advantage of the situation by biting hard into the bird's neck. He sunk his teeth into the bone until it snapped, the taste of warm blood filling his mouth. Crimson lowered his head and clasped the bird's neck, carrying it through the woods on his way back to Jade's home, Fall Paradise.

He jumped over a long log, his powerful legs propelling him forward, across a little pond, and onto a cliff. He could see the beautiful sight of the waterfall, its sparkling waters cascading down the rocks in a mesmerizing display of nature's beauty.

Crimson thought, "They'll love this meal!" as he examined the cliff below him. He jumped down to a safe ledge until he reached the safe level. He went along the road until the waterfall's roar became clearer. He finally returned safely. He entered the area until Boulder appeared with his prey, a little brown mouse, in his mouth. Boulder tossed the mouse atop the fresh-kill pile before turning to look at Crimson and the prey he had caught. Crimson made his way past him, dipping his head curtly.

Boulder didn't bother returning the greeting, instead turning around to leave until Crimson stopped him. "Have you seen Jade this morning?" Crimson asked, attempting to hide his irritation at the impolite tabby. Boulder narrowed his eyes at him for a split second before gesturing with his tail to the right corner of the arena.

Crimson followed his motion until he found Jade sitting on the high rock, admiring the view. "Thank you," Crimson's mood lifted as he saw the lovely, she-cat. Boulder grunted in unfriendliness and walked to the waterfall to quench his thirst. Crimson ignored the tabby cat and padded to the top of the den ledge. He wiggled his haunches and leaped high onto the lower, then the upper, boulder. He landed lightly alongside Jade on the rock. "Isn't it wonderful up here?" Crimson chuckled as he gazed into the distance.

Jade jumped a little as he spoke, startled by his unexpected arrival. "Oh, you scared me!" Crimson sat near Jade and laughed briefly before dropping his prey. "I brought you something to eat." He gently moved the lifeless jay towards her.

Jade's eyes sparkled as she caught sight of the jay, one of her favorite snacks. "Thank you!" She purred and bit into the flesh with her teeth. Crimson smiled as he watched her consume the bird. Jade then pushed the half-eaten jay towards him. "You're welcome to some. You deserve it!" She said with her mouth full of meat.

Before he could refuse, she turned away and returned her gaze to the view, where a pair of eagles was circling overhead.

He shrugged and crouched comfortably, munching on the jay's skin. He tore the feathers that were blocking the skin. Crimson disliked eating birds since their feathers got in the way. He enjoys eating plump mice since their flesh is so luscious. Suddenly, a thought occurred to him. Should I tell her about my dream?