Helia moved gracefully through the forest, her long, emerald-green hair flowing like a river of leaves. The soft glow around her made flowers bloom and animals follow in her wake. While helping a wounded rabbit, she heard a faint rustling behind a bush.

Curiosity piqued, she gently parted the branches and found a tiny boy, around five years old, with messy hair, dirt-smudged cheeks, and delicate wolf ears twitching atop his head. A fluffy tail peeked out from his tattered clothes. The little hybrid stared up at her with wide, wary eyes, a soft growl rumbling from his chest—more of a frightened squeak than a threat.

Helia’s heart ached at the sight. Kneeling down, she extended her hand slowly, her voice soft and soothing. “It’s okay, my child,” she whispered, brushing a gentle thumb across his cheek.

The boy flinched but didn’t pull away, his little nose twitching as if catching her calming scent. Seeing his thin frame and the dirt caked on his skin, Helia gave a warm, motherly smile. “You must be hungry… Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you.”

The boy’s growl faded, replaced by a curious, cautious gaze. Helia knew then that she would protect him, just as she did every creature in her forest.