The cavern felt different after Leo collapsed.
Amaya could sense it the moment she stepped into the clearing again—like the air itself was listening. Watching. Waiting.
The vines of celestial light that had wrapped around Leo's body earlier were gone, but the floor still shimmered faintly from the imprint of his awakening. The Elite Guard stood in a silent perimeter, their eyes lowered, their bodies still tense from the blast of power that had nearly crushed all of them moments ago.
Leo, now leaning against an ancient stone pillar, sat breathing slowly. His aura was sealed again, but it was restless, coiled beneath his skin like a trapped storm pacing in circles.
Amaya approached him carefully.
"Leo…" she whispered.
His eyes lifted—still silver, but softer now, the dangerous glow receding. "I didn't hurt you."
It wasn't a question. It was a fear spoken aloud.
"You didn't," she said, kneeling beside him. "You stopped yourself."
