Lights Out

Ellara's ears pricked up as the faint echo of a young, confident voice reached her through the labyrinthine tunnels of the mine. She paused, her heart quickening. The voice sounded curious and assertive, but the distinctive, bone-chilling yowl of a mountain lion that followed made her fur bristle with alarm. Her pink eyes widened as she realized the danger the pup was in. A young wolf in these abandoned mines was dangerous enough, but with a mountain lion on the prowl, it was a disaster waiting to happen.

Driven by a protective instinct, Ellara swiftly turned toward the direction of the sounds. Her paws barely made a noise as she sprinted through the tunnels, her nose twitching as she tried to pick up the scent of the pup and the cougar. The mine's darkness and the winding passages made it difficult to navigate, but she pushed on, the confident tone of the young voice guiding her. She could feel the chill of urgency creeping up her spine, but she forced it down, focusing on the task at hand.

As she rounded a corner, the sounds grew louder and more distinct. She could now hear the panther's growls and the resolute, steady breaths of the pup. Ellara's heart pounded in her chest as she pressed forward, finally coming upon a scene that made her blood run cold. In the dim light, she saw a young wolf pressed against the leg of a large panther, both of them on edge and staring into the darkness. Just beyond them, the glint of predatory eyes reflected the scant light—a mountain lion, poised to strike.

Without hesitation, Ellara lunged forward, a fierce snarl tearing from her throat. She launched herself at the cougar, her claws extended and her fangs bared. The element of surprise was on her side as she collided with the larger cat, throwing it off balance. Her body met the mountain lion’s with a thud, and she felt the shock of impact ripple through her frame. She snapped at the cougar’s neck, aiming to drive it away from the pup and its companions.

[ 1/3 Fought a large opponent (Mountain Lion) ]