The mansion was a labyrinth of opulence and shadows. Savanna moved cautiously through the grand halls, his hooves silent on the plush carpets. Every corner held a new marvel or a lurking threat. The grandeur of the place was overwhelming, with ornate chandeliers, gilded frames, and priceless artworks depicting the history of the kingdom and its rulers. Yet, beneath the surface elegance, a dark undercurrent flowed.
Savanna's breath quickened as he ventured deeper into the mansion. The walls seemed to close in, each room an echo of the horrors he had witnessed. His uncle's screams still reverberated in his mind, a haunting reminder of the brutal attack. Determined to uncover the truth, he pressed on, his fear mingling with a growing resolve.
He found himself in a dimly lit corridor lined with heavy, oak doors. Each door was marked with a symbol—glyphs he didn't recognize but felt an ominous weight from. One door, slightly ajar, drew him in. Savanna pushed it open and stepped into a room that chilled his blood.
The room was a macabre gallery. Trophy cases lined the walls, filled with items that once belonged to herbivores—watches, necklaces, even children's toys. On a large, ornate table in the center of the room, lay detailed maps and photographs. He approached the table, his eyes scanning the evidence of Kali's hunts. The photos showed terrified faces, animals caught in their final moments, and Kali, the crown prince, posing triumphantly beside his kills.
Savanna's stomach churned, and a wave of nausea hit him. He backed away from the table, his vision blurring. He needed to escape, to breathe. The weight of the discovery pressed down on him, threatening to crush him. Panic seized his chest, and he stumbled out of the room, gasping for air.
He found a small sitting room and collapsed onto a velvet armchair, his head spinning. His vision swam with memories of his past, a flashback pulling him under.
He was back at his boarding school, a young gazelle struggling to fit in. The carnivores had always singled him out, their sharp teeth and mocking grins a constant source of fear. One day, a group of them cornered him in the yard. They taunted him, shoving and jeering, their eyes alight with cruel amusement.
"Run, little gazelle," one had snarled, baring his fangs. "Let's see how fast you are."
Savanna had bolted, his heart pounding as he dashed across the yard. The laughter of the carnivores echoed in his ears, a sound that haunted him for years. The fear and helplessness he felt then mirrored his current terror. But this time, he wouldn't run away. This time, he would fight back.
A noise snapped him back to the present. The crunch of gravel and the low hum of an engine reached his ears. Savanna crept to a window and peeked through the curtains. A sleek car pulled into the driveway, its polished surface gleaming under the mansion's lights. The door opened, and out stepped Prince Kali, his presence commanding and sinister.
Savanna's heart pounded as he watched the prince stride towards the mansion's entrance. Kali was talking animatedly with another figure, discussing plans for a grand party set to take place the next day. Savanna strained to hear their conversation, catching snippets about exclusive guests, entertainment, and security measures.
The mention of the party sent a shiver down his spine. It was an opportunity—a dangerous one, but a chance nonetheless. He had to see what transpired at this gathering. Perhaps he could find a way to expose the prince's horrifying secret.
Savanna's mind raced as he formulated a plan. He couldn't confront Kali directly; the prince was too powerful and well-guarded. But if he could gather evidence, capture undeniable proof of Kali's twisted hunts, he could bring it to the authorities or even the media. The herbivores of Mara needed to know the truth.
As the night deepened, Savanna slipped out of the mansion, the shadows his only ally. He navigated the vast estate with careful steps, his ears tuned to every sound. Reaching the edge of the property, he glanced back at the imposing structure, a fortress of darkness hiding unspeakable secrets.
Vowing to return the next day, he made his way back to the city. His mind was a storm of fear and determination, but one thing was clear: he would not let his uncle's death be in vain. He would unmask the devil lurking behind the crown, no matter the cost.