into a hill or rocky cliff but seemed carved out of the flat ground. The area surrounding the cave entrance was cluttered with piles of dirt, decaying leaves, and rotti

something animatedly, but their conversation abruptly ended when they saw the cavern. Phuro couldn't help but wond

fter her close call with the decaying twig, she mov

a stag for over a mile with precise accuracy. Despite the obstructing trees, she could still keep an eye on the men easily as she made her way throu

tacled doctor spoke up. "Doctor Berry, Director Thomp

then wall and peered around the corner. Her heart raced as she listened for any sounds of human presence, h

y, sir," greeted a cheerful and

he muscular man, likely Director Thompson. "So, Doctor Berry, based on you

nswered Doctor Berry

Her heart raced, and she froze in fear as her eyes darted around for any sign of danger. The loud thud of the fallen branch was impossible

Berry inquired, her vo

u please accompany our unexpected visitor off the premises? We don'

d the bespectacled

in. It's not that she hadn't encountered humans before; she had been to Munford multiple times and met many o

s voice echoed as Phuro scampe

pered through

man speed wasn't enough to close the distance between them. "Come back," he d

tor Martin emerged from the narrow tunnel lined with damp soil, she d

nversation?" His voice echoed, indicating that he was close to the cave ent

beats while keeping perfectly still so the human wouldn't hear her. She prayed he would leave and return to their unde

the Doctor's search for her. "Please?" His

had discovered the presence of the N'kara in the preserve and were now aware of where the tribe resided. However, just like how Skinwalkers and other 'supernatural' creatures were avoide

Phuro knew she couldn't escape just yet. He was still too close fo

at direction,"

ard a popular hiking trail. "I guarantee it," he shouted back. His tone sounded genuine and c

ection around the tree. It wasn't a towering tree, more like a medium-sized one, but

t recognize called out from the cavern,

arthen alley and onto the forest floor. Phuro felt trapped between this newcomer and the doctor. S

ay!" The Doc

tterns of black, green, and tan. He didn't seem as intimidating as Director T

to circle the tree and return to where she first stood. She hoped the doctor

yes, locked onto Phuro's own. His face was twiste