Legs quivered beneath her, exhausted from running as fast and as far as she could. She steadied herself against a tree and looked for a way out. She’d managed to escape that dreadful estate where she’d been held captive only to be chased down by a panther just as she made her exit. Months had passed as she plotted her way to freedom, and it would all be over within the blink of an eye, but at least she’d be free. Too bad she’d be too dead to enjoy it. The beast stalked toward her, smelling the air full of fear. A deep growl emanated from its chest. The animal’s tongue licked at its whiskers. Its paw shot out and swiped at her. She yelped and moved quickly to the side, narrowly avoiding the panther’s razor sharp claws. A tree branch cracked and snapped behind her, catching the predator’s attention. The large cat’s ears perked up and its gaze moved past her as it sniffed the air.
