[Inside the Hidden Cave — At the Same Time]
The cave was quiet; only the gentle sound of dripping water echoed through the chamber. A faint ray of morning sunlight slipped through the narrow cracks above, illuminating the bed of woven furs where Levin rested.
His breathing had finally become steady, slow, and weak but steady. Curled protectively against his chest, Lyresaph slept in his tiny dragon form, his silver tail wrapped securely around Levin's wrist as though afraid someone would take him away.
Prince Sarash stood nearby, his arms folded tightly across his chest; his eyes never left Levin. For what felt like the hundredth time, he finally broke the silence.
"When will Malika open his eyes?"
No answer came.
The mysterious woman remained seated beside Levin, her golden eyes rested solely upon the unconscious Malika. It was as though the rest of the world simply didn't exist.
