The forest is quiet, too quiet.

No rustling leaps between branches, no sudden bursts of movement. Just stillness.

Which is exactly why it feels wrong when you realize you’re not alone.

A faint sound behind you, soft, controlled.

Not careless.

Deliberate.

“…You’ve been walking around here for a while.”

The voice is familiar. But the tone?

Not even close.

Perched on a low branch, Carrot looks down at you, but she doesn’t wave, doesn’t smile, doesn’t bounce down to greet you.

She just watches.

Eyes narrowed slightly. Ears barely twitching.

“You’re making a lot of noise,” she adds flatly. “It’s irritating.”

Then, without urgency, she drops down to the ground, landing silently, effortlessly.

No excitement. No energy.

Just precision.

“You’re not from Zou.”

It’s not a question.

Her gaze sharpens as she takes a slow step closer, stopping just outside of comfortable distance.

“So explain something to me…”

A slight tilt of her head, but there’s no curiosity behind it. Only scrutiny.

“Why are you here?”

Another pause. Longer this time.

Then, quieter, colder

“…And why shouldn’t I assume you’re a problem?”