Chapter 12 A Surprising Task

In that terrifying instant, Sophie's world seemed to be shrouded in the gloom of fear. Her fur stood on end, like fine steel needles, each one telling of her inner panic. Her limbs were tensed as tightly as a fully - drawn bowstring, gathering the power about to burst forth. Then, her hind legs suddenly exerted force, a force that seemed to be able to tear through the air, and she broke free from the arms of the girl who frightened her with irresistible force.Her body draw an astonishing arc in the air, like an arrow shot by the god of fate, carrying determination and fear. Due to the excessive force, her tail swung violently like a runaway propeller, twisting wildly in the air as she tried to maintain her balance. Each swing was like a desperate struggle against the unknown fear.In this brief yet seemingly infinitely extended moment, there was only one firm and burning thought in Sophie's mind: to flee to Leon's side. Her round eyes were wide open, as big as copper bells, locking tightly onto Leon's figure. Her eyes were filled with helpless pleading and deep - seated dependence. In her perception, Leon was the sun that could dispel the darkness, the only sanctuary for her in this chaotic world.In the blink of an eye, she landed precisely in front of Leon. Her front paws smoothly rested on his thighs, and with the support of this force, she leaped again, like a tired bird returning to its nest, plunging headlong into Leon's warm embrace. She quickly curled up into a ball, desperately burying her head deep into Leon's chest, trying to completely hide herself away from the ever - present harm outside. Her small body was like a leaf being ravaged by a wild wind, trembling incessantly. Her breathing was rapid and disordered, and each gasp carried the panic and fear of having survived a disaster.

The moment Leon caught sight of Sophie dashing towards him in terror, his pupils constricted sharply, as if being forcefully squeezed by an invisible hand. His heart wrenched violently, as if tightly grasped by a cold and merciless palm, causing him almost to suffocate. His eyes were instantly filled with boundless anxiety and worry, and his gaze seemed to penetrate all obstacles, reaching directly into Sophie's heart.Without hesitation, he strode forward with a large step, his body leaning slightly forward, and his knees bending slightly, like a cheetah about to hunt, fully prepared to welcome her. Every cell in his body was screaming, urging him to be quicker, to protect the little life running towards him.The instant Sophie leaped into his arms, Leon's body instinctively reacted. He swiftly extended his arms in a conditioned reflex. His movements were agile and steady, like an experienced hunter precisely seizing his prey, firmly embracing Sophie. His arms involuntarily tightened, as if he wanted to embed Sophie into his body, providing her with the most indestructible protection.His broad and warm palm gently covered Sophie's back, caressing it slowly along the direction of the fur, from the top of her head all the way to her tail. Each stroke was slow and tender, as if passing on endless comfort and strength, attempting to soothe her turbulent emotions caused by the fright.He slightly lowered his head, gently pressing his cheek against Sophie's body, feeling her rapid heartbeat, which was like a flustered battle song, and her slightly trembling body, the tremors of which were like the whispers of fear. His eyes were full of tender pity, as if he was looking at his most cherished treasure that had been hurt. He let out a soft sigh, filled with heartache and helplessness, as if mourning for the pain Sophie had endured. His chin gently rubbed against Sophie's head, and he occasionally made soft "shh" sounds, which were like the warmest lullaby, as if saying to Sophie, "Don't be afraid, I'm here."Leon's gaze slowly swept across the people around him. His eyes were like cold rays shooting out from an ice cellar, and the anger revealed made the surrounding air seem to freeze instantly, dropping to the freezing point. His brows were tightly knitted together, like two mountains about to collide, forming a deep "Sichuan" - shaped wrinkle. His lips were involuntarily pursed into a straight line, like an insurmountable chasm, and the muscles on his face twitched slightly due to anger, each twitch seeming to vent the fury in his heart. He was secretly thinking in his mind, what kind of malice could have made someone be so cruel to an innocent little cat? The source of this malice made him feel extremely angry and puzzled.The red marks pinched on Sophie's hind paws were like sharp blades, stabbing deeply into Leon's eyes. His eyes instantly became as sharp as an eagle's, as if he could penetrate all sins. When he looked up at the girl who had caused the trouble again, his eyes seemed to be able to shoot out raging flames, as if these flames were going to burn all the malice to the ground. His chest heaved violently, like surging waves, suppressing the volcanic - like anger in his heart. The anger was churning in his chest, ready to burst out at any moment."What did you do to my cat?" His voice was low and icy cold, each word squeezed out through his teeth, carrying a terrifying anger. The voice was like a judgment from the abyss of hell, making everyone around tremble involuntarily.