Watership down 2 - a new threat

Chapter 62

Chapter 62: The Last Patrol

Campion moved quietly along the outer boundary of their makeshift warren, scanning for any signs of danger. The early evening was peaceful, the shadows of the trees stretching long across the ground. He took a steadying breath, grateful for the moment's calm. It was his duty to protect his friends and keep them safe, even if that meant venturing further than he usually dared.

As he rounded a corner near an old fence, Campion's ears pricked up. A soft rustling came from the underbrush nearby, and he caught a flicker of movement—two pairs of yellow eyes, glinting in the fading light. Cats.

He held his ground as the two strays stepped into the open, their sleek, muscular forms prowling toward him. Campion knew he was outmatched, but he wouldn't back down.

The cats lunged, and Campion twisted, dodging the first swipe but feeling the sting of claws along his side from the second. He fought with everything he had, kicking and biting, a flurry of fur and determination.

For a moment, it seemed he might get away. But one of the cats, a larger one with black-and-white fur, pinned him down, claws digging into his shoulders. Campion struggled, his breaths coming in quick, shallow gasps, but he could feel his strength waning.

As the world began to dim, Campion's thoughts drifted to his friends—the family he'd fought to protect. He hoped they would be safe, that his sacrifice would buy them time.

With a final shuddering breath, he closed his eyes, the sounds of the world fading around him.