But Peace Never Lasts…
Just as she was about to sink into another dramatic floating session, something shifted in the trees.
Her ears twitched.
Her body froze.
The sound was subtle—just the faintest rustle of leaves.
But she had been chased too many times since coming here to ignore it.
Someone—
Or something—
Was watching her.
Rustle.
Isabella's breath hitched.
Her body stiffened in the water.
Something was watching her.
Her heart pounded.
She whipped her head around, scanning the dense trees surrounding the pool. The morning sunlight cut through the thick leaves, but the shadows between them seemed… alive.
No. No. No.
She was alone out here. This was her secret bath.
She was naked.
Completely.
A bad feeling crept up her spine.
Her survival instincts screamed—get out, now!
But just as she moved—
A shadow launched from the trees.
A massive black panther.
It didn't slink or stalk like a normal predator. No. It lunged.
Straight toward her.
Isabella screamed.
