Lean´s POV
The trees seemed to bow as we passed—not out of fear, but respect. The earth recognized the urgency in our steps. Every branch that cracked beneath my boots was a countdown to the inevitable.
Sage needed us. So did Vix.
And if they fell, we all would.
“This way,” I said, raising my arm toward a crevice between two moss-covered boulders. It looked small at first glance, but as we pushed through, we found a natural cavity, hidden among thick roots and damp stone. It was tight, but it would do.
Zack was panting, muscles still tense. Tony followed close behind, his face pale but resolute.
“Here?” Zack asked, touching the ground with one hand. “Is it safe?”
“There’s no time for better choices,” I replied. My body thrummed with contained energy, the echo of full regeneration an
