Nyra did not move immediately.
Darius’ words lingered in the space between them, not loud, not urgent—but undeniable.
We’re not hidden.
The forest felt different now that it had been said out loud. Not threatening. Not yet. But aware. Like something unseen had turned its attention toward them and simply… waited.
Nyra rose slowly to her feet, her gaze sweeping the clearing with quiet precision. The survivors were scattered nearby—some resting, some tending to wounds, some watching her without pretending otherwise.
That was new.
Before, they had watched with uncertainty.
Now—
They were measuring her.
Darius stood as well, steadier than before, but not fully recovered. She felt it through the bond—the lingering weakness, the slow fight still happening beneath his skin.
“You shouldn’
