Ava / Chap. 27

My paws sprung across the forest floor, swift as the wind and agile like a rabbit. My pulse synchronized with my steps and I felt invincible under the sun's warmth.

I was free.

A grin lifted my lips as I enjoyed this moment of peace- wait... what's that smell? Curious, I skidded to a stop, intrigued by the delicate scent that tickled my nostrils. It was sweet, familiar, but I couldn't recall what or where I've detected it before. Tempted, I followed the aroma and stalked silently through the thicket which lead me into the deeper ends of the forest. I was so focused onto that smell, I couldn't detect anything else around me, nor any other sound but my steps and own heartbeat. It felt surreal. I breached through some bushes and entered a small clearing.

"I came as soon as I could." I heard a voice resonate in the thicket and cautiously followed the sounds to a large oak tree where a man and a women stood, holding hands. I couldn't see the women's face since she