The forest was quiet, its shadows stretched long under the silver wash of moonlight. Lira's footsteps were steady as she walked the familiar path that led to the clearing at the forest's edge. She had been here many times before, and her heart quickened as the trees seemed to open, revealing two figures who had become her secret anchor in this world.
Renkai, tall and watchful, leaned lightly against a trunk with his fan, while Thalanir, calmer but no less keen-eyed, stood just beside him. The sight of them made her smile, and without hesitation, she rushed forward.
"You're here," she whispered as her arms wrapped around Renkai first, then Thalanir. The warmth of their presence calmed the lingering restlessness that had kept her awake.
Renkai chuckled softly, giving her shoulders a firm squeeze. "Of course we're here. Where else would we be, little leaf?"
