[table][row][cell][img]https://i.imgur.com/tbIvwoy.png[/img][/cell][cell][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/240504/7ea89157aa7490b85c1faa2a61df7e74.png[/img][/cell][/row]
[row][cell][sub]Location: Outside Elara’s Home[/sub][/cell][/row][/table]Wanting nothing more to do with that old ghost from her past or the strange wolven creature, Kira veered off in the direction the Prince had taken, her steps quiet as she retraced the path toward Elara’s home. She moved slowly, as if she were on a casual stroll, though her eyes scanned the shadows.

Faint voices echoed behind her—the guards, gathering in numbers and shuffling toward the scene of the attack. They could fumble around all they liked, piece things together and chase shadows. Their investigation held little interest to her. 

What did concern her was Elara. 

If a feral blight-born had attacked the Princess, then Elara was entangled in this mess—whether by choice or misfortune. Kira knew all too well that witnesses to such events were seldom left breathing. The fact that they were alive at all was a miracle.

Slipping off the main path, Kira took a longer route back towards Elara’s home. She scanned every corner, her ears tuned in to every crunch of snow or rustle in the wind—though the residential streets seemed fairly undisturbed. 

Once she reached Elara’s home, she rounded a corner and settled along its side, leaning her back against the wooden wall with crossed arms. She stayed there, hidden, vigilant—listening and waiting. 

Moments later, she heard the front door open. The Prince emerged, carrying the Princess in his arms. Kira listened intently as Flynn gave Elara instructions to find the Sage—Lady Hightower who had always been too afraid to meet Kira’s gaze.

Her eyes flicked in the direction of the Alchemy Chambers, noting the faint flicker of candle light resonating from the windows in the distance. Hopefully, she was there, and Elara wouldn’t have to travel far. 

As the Prince and Princess moved down the path toward their own home, Kira watched quietly from her hidden vantage point. Amaya was utterly limp in his arms, but alive, cradled like something fragile. The metallic tang of blood reached Kira’s senses again, causing her pupils to dilate ever so slightly.

[color=DC561E][i]‘What’ve you gotten yourself into, fawnling?’[/i][/color] Kira thought, her expression unreadable.  

Remaining still, Kira listened for Elara—waiting to hear the door close and the latch to lock. When it finally came, Kira allowed herself a small, subtle breath of relief, glad that Elara had heeded her warning. Whenever Elara would emerge again, Kira would be sure to tail her, however far she needed to be to keep her darker instincts at bay. 

If she did anything of use today, she was determined that it would be to ensure Elara’s safety. It was the least she could do. 

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[sub][b]Mentions:[/b] Elara [@Qia], Amaya [@c3p-0h][/sub]