While the man's attention was completely focused on the female insect, Albert tore aside the webbing that had already been burned to tatters and ran over to Hayes.
The moment he saw Hayes collapsed on the ground, Albert's heart gave a violent lurch. For an instant, he almost thought Hayes was dead.
Only after drawing closer and seeing the massive body of the snow leopard still rising and falling with steady breaths did he finally relax. He reached out to touch Hayes's face and called softly, "Hayes… wake up."
He called his name several times before Hayes slowly came to.
When the snow leopard opened his eyes and saw Albert kneeling in front of him, he couldn't help extending his tongue and giving Albert's cheek a gentle lick, as if to comfort him.
Albert let out a heavy breath.
