Unwanted Attention
By afternoon, something else began to happen.
The air around their resting place shifted.
Renkai was the first to notice. "We're not alone."
From the edges of the trees, small shapes appeared—creatures drawn by the subtle pulses of energy. Some were familiar forest beings, others new: moth-like entities with ember-glowing wings, tiny burrowing animals that sniffed the ground where Lira had poured out waste residue, even a pair of sleek, fox-sized creatures with stone-patterned hides and glowing eyes.
They didn't attack.
They watched.
Lira felt it immediately. "The fruit's energy is broadcasting. Not loudly—but clearly."
Rose frowned. "Like a beacon?"
"Yes. Not danger. Invitation."
One of the ember-winged moths fluttered close, drawn to a bowl of earth-stabilized infusion. When it touched the rim, the liquid dimmed slightly—and the moth glowed brighter before drifting away, satisfied.
Renkai crossed his arms. "So the fruit feeds more than just people."
