TWOTCL༘ ೀ⋆｡

XXXVl

⭑. ݁ ˖₊˚✩.𖥔 ݁ ˖๋ ࣭ ⭑.𖥔 ݁ ˖₊˚✩.𖥔 ݁ ˖๋ ࣭

The sound seemed distant, but it made Elysia’s heart race as if it were right next to her.

“It’s like a warning not to pass through this area.”

Even the rain-soaked trees and shrubs felt like they were watching her, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

The unease of stepping onto a forbidden path enveloped her entire body, but there was no turning back now. Just then, the horse she was riding tensed up and started to prance.

“What’s wrong?”

Elysia slid her hand under the horse’s mane to calm it while glancing around, soon feeling the gaze of something watching them. At that moment, the forest’s silence shattered with a sharp cry. Something was surrounding them.

She saw several pairs of eyes gleaming in the darkness. Elysia’s body froze with fear.

They were leopard sub-species, guardians of the Fencer Marquessate territory.

The creatures shook their wet fur and growled low, their movements coordinated like a dance. One at the forefront let out a warning bark, threatening Elysia. The other leopards, in response to the signal, began to circle and close in on her.

Without a moment to think, Elysia kicked her horse into a gallop.

“Run…!”

She thought breathlessly.

“What’s happening? I’ve never seen the sub-species so aggressive….”

The silence of the night was filled with the frantic sound of hoofbeats and the sharp cries of the leopards. Driven by desperation and fear, she kicked the horse again to increase its speed.

The sub-species chased her horse at an incredible speed, looking for an opportunity to strike. One suddenly lunged from the side, claws aimed at the horse’s legs, but the horse quickly swerved to avoid the attack.

Elysia’s heart was pounding as if it would explode. She gripped the horse’s reins tightly and lowered her body as much as possible. Branches scratched her face and arms, and the ground was treacherously slick from the rain.

The leopard’s attacks were relentless. One blocked their path, but she swiftly changed direction to evade it. She pressed herself against the horse, trying to stay steady despite the animal’s rapid movements.

Then, one of the leopards finally managed to sink its teeth into the horse’s side. It happened in an instant. Blood splattered, and the horse let out a terrible scream, stumbling.