Willow grunted, her shoulders sagging in pure defeat.
"…Please let me down," she whispered.
"Not when you're sprinting off to get yourself killed." Navian's voice was calm, low, and far too gentle for the tight shadows coiled around her. He brushed her hair out of her face and studied her with those penetrating eyes. "Trust me, princess. I know this is annoying, but I'm not letting you die. Okay? Please."
Another scream tore through the forest.
This one was sharper. Closer. Followed by multiple snarls.
Definitely more than one monster.
And then... sudden, complete silence.
Willow's breath hitched. She pushed Navian's hand away, her jaw tight. She hated waiting. Hated not acting.
Navian must have read the shift in her chest because he gently set her down. His shadows slithered back into him like obedient pets.
"I'll go," he said quietly.
Willow's eyes widened. "What? No. I'm coming with you."
