It knew that the two were there and it was stalking them from the moment they had entered the darker region of the forest. It found its moment where Both of its prey was not looking. Keeping its movement steadfast, it leaped forward, claws trying to slice the first person it sees, Simon. 

"Watch out!" Blaire shouted out. In that instant Simon turned, shield-first to protect himself for whatever was coming. The claws met the metal of his buckler, generating a high-pitched screech and sparks flew. The force at which he threw his arm was enough to bash the creature out of the way, but immediately disappearing as soon as it made its first preemptive strike into the shrubs again.

"What the hell was that?!" Simon yelled out, the sword remaining in hand as he looked around. "Did you see what it was?! It sounded like a lioness or something..." He kept looking around, clueless at where the beast was.