The low growl came from Jagu. When Ash and Maya turned around, they saw the large feline had stopped walking. His body was tense, and the fur on his back stood up slightly.
He let out a deep growl, repeating it several times, and Ash immediately signaled Maya to stay still. His eyes swept the area, scanning every corner of the hillside they were crossing.
The wind blew gently, and there was no sound other than the breeze. But suddenly, the tall grass in front of them rustled, and it was not because of the wind.
Maya quickly removed the bow from her back and pulled an arrow from the quiver on her waist. She aimed it at the swaying grass.
But Ash signaled again, stopping her from shooting. "Listen," he murmured, almost too quietly to hear, "There is more than one."
Maya narrowed her eyes, scanning their surroundings carefully. It took a few seconds before she saw it too, shadows moving fast between the tall grass.
"A lot," she whispered.
