Chereads / The panther that ruled. / Chapter 11 - Catch me

Chapter 11 - Catch me

8 guards held their swords, pointing for my head as they charging with determination and wariness. I felt the air tense, engulfing me with the urge to escape. Dodging through their blades, precisely predicting their swings as I did with the creatures in the forest.

I sifted through them for a chance to attack. I needed to create a gap to get out. Guards had already blocked the exits. I grabbed one by their arm, disarming him and using him as a ramp to escape the circle. Now I had to get over the wall which seemed designed just to keep things in.

"Don't let it escape!" the prince yelled at the guards who were too slow to catch up.

The blood had already dried on my fur, I began to regret not just killing the prince or taking him hostage to escape. I bolted around, attempting to find a part of the wall of which I could jump over.

In front of the wall, right in the middle stood a tall statue. The position was just right for me to be able to climb up. The path was clear. I went for it.

I kept my injured leg tucked as I ran, straining the other to keep me up. I felt an arrow whisk past my tail, losing my stride and uncontrollably leaping for the statue. The pain came in waves as I struggled for a grip, clawing deep into the statue.

I clambered up and took another leap onto the wall. I looked back to see the statue practically ruined with marks and scratches. At least I left lasting damage.

"See you around Prince, next time be friendlier." I spoke proudly but playfully before jumping down.

His blond, perfectly cut hair could captivate anyone. I still need payback for my leg after all so I wouldn't mind coming back.

I covered my tracks in the crowds which gasped and screamed at my presence. Sounds which quickly vanished as I crept into the alleys.

A voice behind crates startled me, "You're hurt."

"Well observed."

He wore a ragged coat, black gloves and a kind smile. Black hair covered his eyes and fell over his shoulders. The only thing fancy was his monocle draped over his left eye.

"I can heal that for you."

"For what?"

"So skeptical, my name is Dr. Hopper. I treat intelligent animals for free. All I require from you are DNA samples."

"And those samples will be used for?"

"Research of course, to better treatment."

My trust wavered at his response, his lips naturally curled as he spoke. Nevertheless it sounded interesting so I agreed.