The next morning, the golden rays of sunlight pierced through the trees, and Zara stirred awake long before Emma. Silently, she slipped out of the cozy confines of their camp, her tiny paws padding softly on the forest floor. As she wandered, a gentle rush of water caught her attention, and she padded over to the glimmering river that sparkled under the sun. Leaning down, she took a refreshing sip, the cool liquid invigorating her. Licking her lips, Zara felt a surge of energy and dashed back to camp, eager to return before Emma awoke. Emma lay in her sleeping bag, still in the realm of dreams, when Zara leaped onto her, a warm bundle of fur purring contentedly. Startled awake, Emma giggled at the unexpected visitor. “Zara!” she exclaimed playfully, as she carefully set the cat down. With a hearty yawn, she stretched and slowly rose from her makeshift bed, cradling Zara in her arms. It suddenly dawned on her where she was—surrounded by the lush, enchanting forest. “What if we journey to Ava’s house?” Emma suggested excitedly, her eyes sparkling with the possibility. Zara responded with a delighted purr, nuzzling against Emma affectionately, eager to accompany her. “First things first, we need to pack up all of our stuff into my suitcase!” Emma declared, her tone brimming with determination. After they had efficiently stowed their belongings, they stepped into the vibrant foliage, venturing further into the depths of the forest. However, as they walked, an eerie shift took hold of the atmosphere. Strange, unsettling sounds echoed around them, each rustle of leaves causing both Emma and Zara to tense up with apprehension. Zara, sensing the tension, jumped from Emma’s hands, instinctively placing herself behind her human companion. Though small, she felt a deep instinct to guard and protect her beloved Therian owner from any lurking dangers. “Ava is a Therian too, and her mom totally supports us!” Emma murmured, attempting to reassure herself amidst the unsettling noises. Zara’s ears perked up at the mention of Ava's name, her excitement palpable as she darted alongside Emma, both driven by the thrill of their adventure. Before long, they approached Ava’s house, nestled amidst towering trees; a comforting sight amidst the foreboding surroundings. Emma exhaled a sigh of relief and approached the sturdy front door, pressing the doorbell with a slight hesitation. The loud Ding-Dong reverberated through the air, startling her once again. Almost immediately, the door swung open, revealing Ava bursting with excitement. “Emma! What are you doing here?” Ava exclaimed, her face alight with surprise and joy. “I may have escaped,” Emma admitted, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. Ava's eyes grew wide, and she clapped her hands to her mouth, a gesture of disbelief. “Really? Come in!” Ava beckoned eagerly, stepping back to allow them to enter. As Emma and Zara stepped inside the warm, inviting home, they were met with a surprise—a brown cat with arched back and hissing fiercely. “Alice! It's okay!” Ava cooed, her voice soothing as she moved to calm the alarmed feline, trying to defuse the tension in the air.
Credits to @Space_Therian_Cat for the cover
