Moments later, the fifteen panthers emerged from the jungle in perfect synchronization, their camouflage deactivating as they approached.
They formed a semicircle around Jack once again, and the leader stepped forward slightly.
Jack focused on the Soul Link, opening himself to the information they wanted to share.
The lead panther's thoughts came through clearly, translated by the connection into something Jack's mind could understand:
'The jungle is vast. Six square miles of dense territory. Good hunting grounds, plenty of prey. Water sources everywhere. This place could support many packs.'
Another panther's consciousness joined in, its thoughts carrying frustration:
'But we found no others like us. We searched every den, every usual gathering place. The scent trails are old, weeks, maybe months. Whatever packs lived here before are gone now.'
A third panther added its findings, and Jack felt the creature's unease through the link:
