The bobcat stood in the middle of the trail, staring at Claire. Its golden eyes were locked onto hers, unblinking. It didn’t move, didn’t run, just watched her as if it had been waiting. Then, without warning, it turned and slipped into the trees, pausing only to glance back. It wanted her to follow.
Claire’s breath came fast. This wasn’t normal behavior. Wild animals didn’t seek people out, and they certainly didn’t lead them anywhere. Her instincts screamed for her to turn around, to walk the other way. And yet, she hesitated.
The trail stretched ahead, disappearing into thick trees. The bobcat was barely visible now, its spotted coat blending with the shadows. But then she saw it—another movement, lower to the ground. Something else was down there, slowly drawing closer.