The growl rolled across the forest like thunder.
Low.
Ancient.
Predatory.
It seeped into the ground, rattling stones.
It slithered through the trees, waking beasts from their slumber.
It crept along the waterfall, reaching even the shielded cavern where Amaya slept against Leo's side.
Leo felt it instantly.
Every white-tipped hair along his tail stood on end.
His ears sharpened, turning toward the source of the sound.
Not a normal beast.
Not a rogue.
Not a corruption spawn.
This voice belonged to something older.
Something that should not be here.
His jaw tightened.
He's already closer than I expected.
Leo carefully shifted Amaya so she rested against the stone wall, her head still cushioned by his arm.
Her eyelashes fluttered at the movement.
"Leo…?" she whispered, half-asleep, voice warm and soft with fragile trust.
He froze.
Just for a heartbeat.
Because the way she said his name — raw, unguarded — hit him with more force than the growl outside.
