Large and small lithe shapes streaked through the shadows cast by the tall lean trees. Paws pounded hard against the quavering ground. Screams, yelps, and barks of fear pierced the thick smog that clouded the air.
Her heart pounded within her deep chest as if it was gonna leap out at any second. The shepherd's lungs tightened as she ran, but she refused to stop as her muscles ached and screamed in protest. Zuma's fur spiked along her spine. Her tiny frame weaved between trees and bushes, ears flattened to her head. She tried to drown out the screams of pain and wails of grief but it was inescapable.
Zuma narrowed her eyes against the fog, her mind raced but few words screamed the loudest. Run. She had to run and she couldn't stop or she would die like the others had. She knew if she stopped then she'd be doomed to the same fate as the other animals and creatures who gave up. The small shepherd had seen what happened to the unfortunate dogs that couldn't escape or couldn't go on anymore, the earth had eaten them whole.
Familiar faces raced through the trees. She knew these dogs. Zuma remembered the dogs she had escaped with, by face and by scent. Some of them grew close and others weren't trusting of her and refused to become friends with others, but Zuma had understood why. They were afraid of growing close and losing each other.
Zuma stopped in her tracks, skidding on the wet grass. Her heart lurched and her eyes widened as her blood ran cold. Dread flooded her quickly as she began to process what her hazel gaze was laid upon.
