But his gaze was met with a mixture of awe and unease, Tiana's eyes wide with a touch of fear. Unbeknownst to her, her hands had instinctively grasped his shoulders, her grip tight with tension. As she became aware of her actions, her face flushed, and she hastily withdrew her hands, her fingers brushing against his cloak as she stepped back, trying to compose herself. Nicklaus's smile lingered, his eyes never leaving hers, as if savoring the moment of shared intensity between them. This moment was shattered by a flock of birds taking flight, their raucous cries piercing the air. Nicklaus broke into a fluid stride, his long legs carrying him towards the fallen stag. Tiana followed closely behind, her blue eyes fixed on the creature's lifeless form. With practiced ease, Nicklaus lifted the
