Bound

In the heart of what is now known as the southwestern United States, a young woman's life takes a dramatic turn when she unwittingly witnesses a sacred ritual from a neighboring tribe-an event she was never meant to see. As punishment for her curiosity, she is silenced by being transformed into a mountain lion, cursed to roam the wilderness in a form that both empowers and isolates her.

Believing their beloved sister has been murdered, her human brothers seek vengeance, unleashing a brutal massacre against The Mountain Lion People. As the bloodshed escalates, the Mountain Lion Leader, who had taught her the ways of survival as one of his own, intervenes. He implores her to halt the violence and bring peace to both worlds.

Guided by the teachings of her ancestors and The Spirits of The Land, she embarks on a profound journey of survival, understanding, and reconciliation, striving to heal the wounds inflicted by misguided vengeance. Will she be able to reveal her new identity to to bridge the gap between The People (humans) and The Mountain Lion People, navigating the delicate balance between these two realms before it is too late...?

This retelling of a traditional story is a powerful exploration of transformation, identity, and the enduring strength of cultural heritage. It weaves together themes of vengeance, redemption, and the unbreakable bond between the natural world and the spiritual realms. Certain details have been respectfully omitted in order to preserve the author's culture.