After greeting Arianne, the little lion cub lingered beside her for only a moment before its attention shifted back toward Michael.
Its ears twitched. Then it took a small step toward him. There was a hint of hesitation in its movements.
Arianne noticed the little lion's actions.
"Liora?"
The crimson cub paused when its name was called, glanced back at her, then continued edging closer to Michael.
Michael raised an eyebrow. When Liora finally came within reach, he extended one hand toward it.
The cub sniffed his fingers before lightly pressing the side of its head against his palm.
The sensation was familiar.
It was not exactly the same as touching ordinary flesh. There was a faint coolness and an almost weightless resistance beneath his hand, something very similar to the feeling he experienced whenever Lunara's spiritual body came into contact with his own.
Michael gently ran his hand over Liora's head. The little lion relaxed in comfort.
