Xilo's boots pressed into the soft jungle floor, the leaves and moss muffling his steps. The sunlight barely reached through the thick trees above, but he moved with confidence, calm as always.
A sudden cry broke the jungle's quiet. Xilo froze. His sharp eyes scanned the bushes, and then he saw it — a small bundle, barely a year old, wrapped in torn cloth.
The baby stirred, wide-eyed, revealing a subtle birthmark tracing from his chest up to his neck. He blinked slowly, quiet and vulnerable, yet somehow… unique. Xilo knelt, his robe brushing the earth, and gently lifted the child into his arms.
How did you get here? Xilo whispered softly, his voice calm but protective. The baby only stared back, curious and confused, letting the silence speak for him.
By the time Xilo reached home, Yildes was already waiting. Arms crossed, dark robes slightly ruffled, his expression stern, he looked from the baby to Xilo.
"You brought him here?" Yildes asked, voice low, tinged with annoyance.
Xilo nodded, still holding Kael carefully. "I found him near the river. Alone."
Yildes' gaze softened slightly as he looked at the child, but his practical mind didn't relax.
"The clan gives us more than enough supplies as compensation for what happened back then," Xilo said calmly.
Yildes huffed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know… I just hope you know what you're doing."
Xilo gave a small, gentle smile, reassuring both Kael and Yildes. "I'll take care of him."
In the background, another small figure stirred quietly — Rion, already a year old, with blond hair and bright yellow eyes, observing without fuss. The child was calm, quietly taking in the scene, unaware of the changes just entering their lives.
The jungle outside whispered, leaves rustling softly, as the sun finally broke through the trees. For Xilo, for Yildes, and for Kael, a new chapter had begun.