The boy clung to Lira's hand, trembling as she guided him gently out of the cage. His legs wobbled, unused to freedom, and he stumbled forward into her arms. Lira held him, wrapping him in quiet reassurance, letting him bury his tear-streaked face against her shoulder.
"See?" she whispered softly, brushing a hand over his tangled hair. "No more cage. You're free now."
His breath hitched, but the sobs began to slow. Slowly, he dared to peek up at the others. Patricia crouched down, giving him a warm, toothy smile to soften her sharp dragonborn presence. Maelin waved gently, trying to appear harmless. Renkai, still in fox form, tilted his head with curious eyes, tail swishing lazily. Thalanir's calm presence stood behind them all, a silent reassurance of safety.
