The elder's gaze held Ciara's, a fierce intelligence in his eyes that told her he saw through any pretense or hidden agenda. She felt the weight of his scrutiny, understanding that their refuge depended on his decision. Her family's fate—and possibly the fate of the lost city itself—rested on how this meeting unfolded.
The elder inclined his head slightly, gesturing for Ciara to sit. She took her place across from him, feeling the wary eyes of the other forest guardians on her and her family. Fidel stood close by, his protective instincts on high alert as he scanned the dense encampment, but he remained silent, trusting Ciara to speak for them.
The elder's voice was low, rough as old bark, but there was a strange gentleness in his tone. "We know who you are, Hybrid Queen," he said. "The forest whispers of the ancient city and those bound to it. But why do you bring your family into our lands, chased by hunters and bringing danger with you?"
