Hajin started down the mountain with the boy attached to his chest, every step sending a dull pulse through cracked ribs.
The child had not moved since leaving the cavern, hanging from his collar like living armor.
'At least this one stays quiet, unlike the rest of my household.'
Aria appeared on his shoulder and settled into her usual perch without acknowledging the passenger below.
"Preliminary analysis is now complete," Aria said while projecting a small blue screen ahead of him.
[ Subject: Guardian Beast · Apex Lineage ]
[ Species: Unregistered ]
[ Age: 0 Days ]
[ Growth Rate: Immeasurable ]
[ Bond Type: Imprint · Permanent ]
The word permanent followed him down the trail like a stone in his boot.
Marrick would need to add a crib, clothing, plus an entirely new category to the regional ledger.
Every summon could be dismissed or returned to its ring, while this child carried no undo button.
"Imprint," Hajin said while stepping over a split in the trail.
