“Lean back! Off the edge!”
The group flung themselves away from the pit’s rim just as the leopard sprang up like a released spring. Its forepaws clawed the edge, talons snagging a patch of compact soil not yet loosened, ripping out a short snarl as it heaved. Half its body surged free, the rope biting so deep around its neck that blood burst out, yet it slipped in less than a heartbeat, slick with its own blood.
Lucas rolled sideways, the brush of its tail grazing his wrist, reeking of rusted iron and singed fur. Stella toppled backward, a vine slashing her cheek raw. Eric crashed down hard, clutching the frayed rope, eyes wide and dripping with sweat. Mary screamed hoarsely, then clamped her hand over her own mouth, her spine trembling.
The leopard burst clear, limbs raking wide, stand
