Beelzebub landed beside Elira and pressed his small, trembling paw gently against her cheek. Her breathing was steady now, slow and even, but she would not be waking up anytime soon.
"Don't worry," I said quietly. "She'll be alright. She just needs rest."
I squatted next to him and brushed a finger over his head. He looked up at me, worry clear in his eyes. Of course he would. Elira was like a family member to both of us, in every way that mattered.
Snap!
The sound was sharp and unmistakable. A twig breaking to my left.
I turned my head instantly, body already shifting as my senses flared. The forest was thick with darkness, shadows layered upon shadows, but my eyes caught movement between the trees. A silhouette stood there, partially obscured by branches and leaves.
The figure was slender, its outline unmistakably feminine.
Enemy? No way they found me that quickly...
