The lion answered with a low, mournful rumble, wrapping a paw protectively around him. But the moment was broken by another rustle in the distance. The lion's muscles tensed.
"Go," Sylene whispered urgently wiping his tears quickly. "You're too unique—they'll experiment on you if they find you. If you can...please tell my family, or Zirron to say I'm fine... Please. Sir Alden knows Zirron."
The lion hesitated, gave a tiny growl of protest, then vanished back into the brush.
"Sylene."
The voice was soft but close. Sylene straightened quickly, trying to hide any trace of the lion. A red-fox hybrid stepped into view, with fur unkempt and dull, tail thin and brittle. His face looked rather ordinary, but his scent—
Sylene's eyes widened in disbelief.
