"Alright, fine," she muttered under her breath, gripping her staff tightly. "I'll help you."
But just as she took a step forward to offer her support, Cyrus raised a hand, stopping her in her tracks. "No," he said firmly, without turning to look at her. "I've got this. Stay back."
Athena froze, her protest dying in her throat. She clenched her fists, frustrated but unable to ignore the confidence in his voice. Cyrus was focused, in his element. She could feel the intensity of his presence, the aura of resolve that surrounded him as he crept closer to the deer.
She reluctantly stepped back, her eyes locked on him as he closed in on the creature.
