Joon-Woo regained consciousness a week later.
The first sensation he felt was warmth.
Soft.
Steady.
Safe.
When his eyes slowly opened, sunlight filtered gently through the tall arched windows of Leon's private chamber, casting golden patterns across polished marble floors and silk-draped walls.
He was lying on something warm.
No—
Someone.
Prince Leon.
Leon sat against the carved headboard of his bed, broad shoulders relaxed for once, and Joon-Woo's small fox body rested securely in his lap.
The moment Leon felt the slightest movement, his sharp blue eyes dropped downward.
For a second—
Disbelief.
Then overwhelming relief.
"You're awake."
His voice, usually firm and commanding, carried unmistakable emotion.
Joon-Woo blinked slowly, still dazed. His body felt… light.
He looked down at himself.
Small paws.
Soft white fur.
A tail curled weakly at his side.
He was in his fox form.
But—
There was no pain.
No wounds.
No exhaustion.
He was completely healed.
Not even a scar remained.
Memory rushed back.
The battle.
The teleportation.
The chains.
The cloak.
His secret.
His ears twitched anxiously.
They must know.
He stiffened slightly in Leon's lap.
Leon immediately noticed.
His expression softened.
"Don't overthink," Leon said quietly.
Joon-Woo froze.
Leon's hand moved slowly through his fur in a calm, steady rhythm.
"Only Lyra and I know."
His voice lowered, firm and absolute.
"The cult members who discovered your identity are no longer alive."
His blue eyes darkened slightly.
"They were executed for treason against the royal family and for attempting to assassinate a royal."
There was no hesitation in his tone.
No regret.
"In the Phoenix Kingdom," Leon continued evenly, "the punishment for raising a hand against royalty is death."
His gaze sharpened faintly.
"They chose their fate."
Silence settled gently between them.
The tightness in Joon-Woo's chest slowly loosened.
Leon adjusted his hold, making sure the fox was comfortable. His thumb brushed softly between Joon-Woo's ears in reassurance.
"For now, you will rest," Leon said.
His tone softened further, though a faint scolding lingered beneath it.
"You were severely injured. Your mana core was nearly fractured."
His fingers stilled briefly.
"You exhausted yourself beyond your limits. That teleportation… you forced more mana through your body than it could handle."
A pause.
"You were unconscious for seven days."
Joon-Woo's ears flattened slightly.
"You pushed yourself recklessly," Leon added quietly. "If Lyra's barrier had fallen even a second later…"
He didn't finish the sentence.
"But your body is still weak," Leon continued. "Even if the wounds are healed, your mana channels need time to stabilize. Do not attempt anything foolish."
A gentle but unmistakable warning.
"And you haven't eaten properly since before the abduction."
Right on cue—
Joon-Woo's stomach gave a small, humiliating growl.
Leon almost smiled.
"I had the maids prepare something light."
As if summoned by timing alone, a soft knock echoed at the chamber door.
A maid entered quietly, bowing deeply as she carried a tray filled with carefully prepared dishes—warm broth infused with mana herbs, soft bread soaked in honey, finely sliced fruits, and a small bowl of lightly cooked meat suitable even for a weakened magical beast.
She placed the tray respectfully on a nearby table and withdrew without lifting her eyes.
Leon reached for the tray himself.
He did not allow servants to touch Joon-Woo.
Carefully, he dipped a small spoon into the broth, blowing gently to cool it before bringing it toward the fox's mouth.
"Open."
Joon-Woo hesitated.
Leon raised a brow.
"…Don't make me repeat myself."
Reluctantly, Joon-Woo complied.
Leon fed him slowly, patiently. Not rushed. Not careless.
Each movement was deliberate.
Each touch steady.
After the broth came small pieces of meat, torn into manageable portions. Then fruit.
Leon made sure he ate everything.
"You need strength," he said quietly.
By the time the meal was finished, Joon-Woo felt warmer.
Heavier.
Sleepier.
But calmer.
A sudden knock interrupted the quiet atmosphere.
The door opened quickly without waiting for permission.
"Brother—!"
Princess Lyra stopped mid-step the moment she saw him awake.
Her golden eyes widened.
For a heartbeat, she simply stared.
Then tears gathered instantly.
"You're awake…"
She crossed the room in seconds.
Leon allowed her close but did not release his hold.
Lyra knelt beside the bed, carefully touching Joon-Woo's head.
"You idiot," she whispered, voice trembling. "You scared me."
Her fingers gently brushed his fur.
"When you collapsed… I thought…"
Her voice broke.
She inhaled sharply, forcing herself to regain composure.
"You saved me ."
Joon-Woo's ears twitched.
Leon glanced at his sister quietly.
"He needs rest," Leon said calmly.
Lyra nodded quickly, wiping her eyes.
"Yes. Of course."
But she remained there, unwilling to leave.
After a moment, she leaned forward carefully and pressed her forehead lightly against Joon-Woo's small head.
"Thank you," she whispered.
No royal pride.
No princess dignity.
Just gratitude.
The room grew quiet once more.
Sunlight shifted across the floor.
Leon adjusted his hold slightly, securing the small fox more comfortably against his chest.
"For now," he murmured again, voice low and steady,
"You are safe."