The narrow path twisted through thick forest until it opened suddenly onto a clearing bathed in dappled sunlight. Lira's eyes widened. Before them lay the ruins, half-swallowed by moss and twisted vines. Stone pillars jutted at odd angles, broken arches reaching toward the sky, and the faint remnants of what had once been walls now lay scattered across the ground.
High above, in the branches of the surrounding trees, small forms watched silently. Opikame—bear-headed, monkey-armed, long-tailed—perched and balanced, eyes glinting with curiosity. They made no move toward the travelers, simply observing with a strange, intelligent patience.
Renkai stepped closer to Lira, brushing his shoulder against hers. He reached for her hand and held it gently. His voice was soft, almost a whisper, but firm. "I will protect you if needed."
