She descended the hollow, following Caleb’s path—but not for the food. For him. Her eyes stayed locked on his figure. Her body low, her hiss long and warning, as if daring him to take one more step. Lisa watched, paralyzed. Her pulse thundered in her ears.
Caleb glanced back once and gave the smallest nod. Now. Lisa inched forward, still half-crouched. Every movement felt like it took an eternity. The lion hadn’t noticed her yet. All her focus was on Caleb, who was backing toward the ridge with calm steps, hands out, speaking softly in a voice Lisa couldn’t hear.