Grey's consciousness slowly returned, and his senses stirred as the world around him came back into focus.
He groaned softly, his head throbbing with a dull ache, but other than that he felt refreshed.
Lifting his arm to touch his shoulder, Grey was surprised to find that the deep gash—caused by the eagle's attack—was completely healed.
There was no pain, no scarring, just smooth skin where the injury had once been.
The exhaustion from the previous night was gone, and his senses felt sharp.
But then he heard faint footsteps approaching.
Instinct kicked in and without hesitation, Grey sprang to his feet, moving as silently as a shadow, and in a flash, he was behind the person.
His dagger was already pressed against their throat as he demanded, with his voice low and firm:
"Who are you?"
The young man in his grasp gulped, his face pale as he stammered:
"I'm no one... I just came here, same as you!"
