The forest grew quieter as they left the clearing behind.
Not silent—never silent—but hushed, as if every sound had been drawn inward. Even the rose horses slowed, their petal-maned heads lowering, breath misting faintly in the cool shade. The Kakraje rumbled uneasily, their spiked backs shifting as if something beneath their skin felt wrong to them.
Lira noticed it first.
The forest's attention, which had felt curious before, now felt… focused.
"Renkai," she said softly, not turning her head. "We're not alone."
He had already felt it too. His hand rested near his weapon, posture easy but ready. "I know."
Rose swallowed. "This part of the forest," she murmured, "isn't on any map I've drawn."
They moved another dozen steps before the light changed.
