[PQ] Into the Woods Without Delay

YOU SAID THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT THE MOON IT ROSE TOO SOON AND WE'RE DOING WHAT WE SHOULD Hang back, Jigano instructs, and the leopard reluctantly does as she is told, letting her footfalls slow and soften, until she is a ghost in their wake. With a gentle nudge back at Kiada the leopard bids the bird farewell, a cool soft nose on her wing. Be safe, the girl silently cautioned, protective instincts growling at the idea of letting her herd, her pride, her cub outside her sight. It seems like a bad plan to separate and spread, divide themselves in a living, lush forest full of strange creatures and unknown foes. It turns out, she is right. Spears, and ropes, and sharp, almond eyes. Her captors are small, but it makes them silent; they are swift, and before she can possibly react the leopard is tied and twisted, no longer her own. Amalia considers snarling and swiping: but her fears are less for herself than her friends, and a quick sweeping glance tells the girl that for the moment, they are safe. So she turns her attention in silence to her captor, a silent snarl of fury on her lips. Don't hurt them, the black-eyed leopard pleads, before taking off in her captor's nets, a slave to a fate which has suddenly turned and left her in despair. a m a l i a You said it's life that moves too much We're losing touch But I'm not losing you