Flashback – Moments After the Tunnel
Shiki stood frozen on the rooftop overlooking the tunnel entrance, chest heaving from the sprint. His fists clenched so hard the leather of his gloves creaked.
Seraphina landed beside him, boots silent on the tiles. "It's gone."
Lyra appeared a second later, staff glowing faintly. "Like the carriage never existed."
Shiki didn't answer. His eyes were fixed on the tunnel, pupils blown wide with fury and something far more dangerous—fear.
In his mind, he screamed.
*Kitten! KITTEN!*
The word echoed through the link, raw and desperate.
Seraphina flinched. "Sir Shiki—"
Lyra clutched her staff tighter.
Then, suddenly—
A small, irritated voice cut through the link.
*Shut up, Shiki. You're too loud.*
Ai.
Shiki's entire body sagged with relief. He exhaled a shaky breath that sounded almost like a laugh. "Kitten..."
Seraphina's shoulders dropped. "She's safe."
Lyra's eyes filled with tears. "Thank the gods..."
