The forest was silent
The animals had fled long ago, the air still trembling from the Golden Sovereign's awakening. The earth reeked of scorched soil, broken roots, and the faint metallic tang of Leo's own blood.
But Leo didn't care about any of that.
All he cared about—
All he held—
Was the unconscious girl in his arms.
Her skin, warm to the touch.
Her hair, tangled with faint glowing strands of gold.
Her breath, shallow and uneven against his chest.
"Amaya…" Leo whispered, brushing a thumb over the soot smudged on her cheek. "You're not losing to her. I won't let you."
The First White Tiger, still in his immense beast form, lowered his head beside them. His once-bright eyes dimmed, heavy with dread and knowledge Leo desperately wanted but wasn't ready to hear.
"Tell me what to do," Leo said, voice hoarse. "Tell me how to help her."
The Tiger did not answer immediately. He inhaled deeply, white flames flickering from between his fangs like a dying storm.
