The Cats That Lurk in the Shadows

She heard a sound, an unusual sound, unlike any other sound she had ever heard before. She crouched low, her underbelly softly brushing against the undergrowth. She perked up her ears and listened carefully for the sound. A small gust of wind blew by. It was getting darker and darker by the minute, for the sun was setting fast. After a moment of silence, the sound came back. She crawled closer and closer to it. Suddenly, she saw it. She quickly hid behind a bush. She slowly peeked her head out of it, just enough to get a good look at what was making the sound. She was confused when she saw her mother standing in a small clearing of trees, the branches casting horrific shadows on the dry ground. Breathing heavily, her mother was pacing back and forth, as if she was waiting for something to come. Suddenly, from the dark, night sky, a huge shadow illuminated over the ground. It came closer and closer, giving her no place to run. From behind the bush, she watched as her mother became face to face with the horrifying shadow. “It is too late Featherstone. Your time has come.” The shadowy creature uttered. The shadow struck her and she fell to the ground. She watched in horror as her mother’s life came to an end. Tears streamed down her face. “Mom!” She ran over to her. “No!“ Suddenly, the creature crept up behind her. “It’s too late. She’s gone.” It said quietly. “But why?” She asked confusedly. “That is for you to figure out. Soon, this dream will be over, but the adventure is just starting. Wake up, for your siblings have shared this dream with you and will have a lot to tell you. Save your mother, for the clan’s sake...” the shadow faded away.