Leo carried Amaya through the forest with silent, predatory grace, but every muscle in his body was coiled tight. His golden–silver eyes scanned the shadows with lethal precision. His tail brushed lightly against her legs in a protective way.
Even half-conscious, she felt it—the tension in him. The fear he wouldn't voice.
The fear of losing her again.
"leo…" she mumbled, her voice slurred with exhaustion.
"Rest," he repeated, softer this time. "You burned too much energy. Your core is adjusting."
She blinked slowly, struggling to focus on the glow of twilight weaving through the treetops. "My head feels… heavy."
"That is normal. Your senses are widening faster than your body is prepared for." His grip on her tightened. "You should not have pushed your power."
"But you would've died."
A low rumble vibrated through his chest—something between a growl and a shudder.
"I will not fall so easily," he murmured. "But… thank you."
She smiled weakly. "Still stubborn."
