"Sal—you're finally here!" Nina cried, her face lighting up with joy.
Sal rushed forward and pulled her tightly into his arms. "Nina, I finally found you."
He loosened his embrace just enough to look her over carefully from head to toe. Only after confirming she was truly unharmed did the tension in his chest finally ease.
He hugged her again, even tighter this time. "Thank goodness you're alright."
These past days had tormented him. He had worried endlessly—afraid she was hurt, afraid she was suffering, afraid she was alone.
"I'm fine," Nina said softly, hugging him back.
Kith's gaze sharpened, confusion flickering within it. Wasn't that the damned leopard who stole the spirit pearl?
Was he still alive?
A rogue beast… and Nina was this close to him?
Kith stepped forward instinctively, intending to pull Nina away—but Sal moved first, drawing her behind him protectively.
Sal's expression turned icy.
So this was the tiger who had bullied Nina.
