The forest, once cracked and burning, began to cool.
But only on the surface.
Below the earth, in the roots and soil and bones of the land, something ancient was turning.
Something awakened.
Something that had heard the Sovereign's scream.
Something that now knew exactly where Amaya was.
Leo didn't know any of that yet.
All he knew was the feeling of Amaya trembling in his arms, her breath shallow, her heartbeat jumping like a scared bird.
"Her… true heir?" Leo repeated, voice barely above a whisper.
Amaya nodded. "Yes. I saw him."
The White Tiger's claws dug deep into the dirt. "Impossible. The Sovereign has been sealed for centuries. There should be no heir."
"There is," Amaya said, sitting up a little straighter though she still swayed. "And he's coming."
Leo slid an arm around her back quickly, steadying her. "Easy. You don't have to push yourself."
She shook her head. "No—I need you to hear this."
Her voice cracked, but she didn't look away.
