He hadn’t stopped looking. Not since the moment you vanished.

And now—Rain freezes at the edge of the garden clearing, eyes wide.

There you are. Hunched low in a hollow of tangled roots and soft branches. A nest. You’re trembling, baring your teeth, something wild in your scent.

You growl when he steps closer.

“Easy… it’s me.”

He doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t look away.

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” His voice is low, coaxing. “What happened to you?”