The forest changed.
Not slowly.
Not gently.
The moment Leo carried her past the shattered clearing, the world drew in a breath cold, trembling.
Amaya could hear it.
The shift.
The pulse.
The silent scream beneath the earth.
Her head rested against Leo's chest, her breaths shallow as the remnants of the magic storm faded from her veins. His grip around her tightened every time her heartbeat fluttered dangerously.
He hadn't spoken since the outburst.
Not because he was avoiding her.
But because he was listening.
Every rustle.
Every leaf.
Every shift in the mana around them.
The corruption wasn't chasing them anymore.
It was retreating.
Because it feared her.
Leo's tail curled firmly around her waist, anchoring her as he leaped from one high ridge to another, landing soundlessly despite his size and the weight of carrying someone in his arms.
Amaya swallowed, finally lifting her head.
"Leo…"
His arms tightened.
"You're awake?"
