Amon's ear twitched.
The faintest sound in the distance tugged him awake. His purple eyes snapped open, scanning the clearing. The fire had dwindled to embers, faintly glowing against the dark stretch of trees. The forest whispered with insects and wind.
Akane was curled against a log, her tail wrapped tightly around herself. Her chest rose and fell in the steady rhythm of deep sleep.
Syl sat nearby with her back straight. Her wrists were still bound behind her back, rope pressed against her green skin, but her presence was alert.
Amon rose to his feet in silence. His shadow loomed over Syl as he stretched.
"You're awake," Syl muttered, her tone calm.
"I am," Amon replied, rolling his shoulders. He glanced at Akane's slumbering form. "Glad to see you worked things out. She trusted you enough to fall asleep beside you, and to leave the watch to you."
Syl let out the faintest scoff. "Something like that."
