Ren sprinted through the cave corridor, his steps swift and steady. It didn't take long for him to reach the mouth of the base—and what he saw instantly put him on alert.
Bella, the female Penal Tiger, stood tense, her fur bristling with unease. Around her, her three cubs looked anxious. Their ears were folded back, and their tails curled forward—a sign of emotional distress. Their breaths were heavy, as if they had run a great distance.
"Hey... what's going on?" Ren asked, his voice calm, trying to stabilize the atmosphere even though a knot of worry had begun to form in his chest. He stepped closer to Bella and placed a hand on her large head, gently stroking her fur.
Bella let out a low grunt, then turned her gaze toward the forest. She began walking, her tail swaying occasionally, as if signaling Ren to follow her.
Ren glanced back for a moment—toward the three Kitsune children standing at the cave entrance, their faces filled with worry.
