The library became her refuge. Elise searched dusty wildlife books, tracing photographs with trembling fingers. One page stopped her cold—panther cub, black coat, wide paws, golden eyes. Shadow’s likeness stared back. She closed the book quickly, pulse racing, whispering to herself, “No. Not possible.” But deep down, she knew.
Back home, Shadow sprawled across the kitchen floor, muscles rippling with every breath. Elise compared the photos on her phone to the living creature at her feet. The match was undeniable. Her “larger than usual kitten” was no house cat. Yet as it purred softly, pressing close, she couldn’t bring herself to accept the fact.