She followed an elephant into the forest—but had no idea it would lead to this.

She stole a glance back to see the mother elephant still blocking the poachers’ path, her massive form a steadfast barrier between them and Amara. But even from this distance, she could tell that it wouldn’t be enough to hold them back for long.

Their footsteps broke into a clearing, sunlight spilling through the canopy above and casting everything in sharp relief. Her heart leaped as she spotted a crowd gathered near the clearing’s edge—familiar faces, the tourists from her group, along with a group of forest rangers. Relief flooded her, mingling with an urgency that urged her forward.