As soon as they saw him, Emma and Hunter ran to Chiron without hesitation. Emma reached him first, her white eyes were filled with relief and joy.
Hunter, the hulking form of a shadowy green beast, followed closely behind. But Chiron's attention was quickly drawn to the corner, where Carla lay on a bed of rough core beast pelts. She looked weak, her pale face framed by short, snow-white hair. Despite her fragile state, she smiled softly, stretching her arms toward him.
Chiron rested a hand on Emma's head, his voice calm but filled with warmth. "You did very well," he said, his tone gentle yet firm. "I know that waiting five years in secret to carry out my plan must have been difficult for you, but you've done incredibly well."
