Sylvia's claws flexed as she positioned herself protectively near Lyra, her tail flicking nervously. "It's not attacking," she observed, her voice sharp. "That's not normal."
Victor took a hesitant step forward, his breath shallow. "It's… waiting," he said, the realization dawning on him. He glanced at Lyra and Sylvia, his eyes filled with determination. "I need you both to leave."
"What?" Lyra turned to him, her brow furrowing. "Victor, no. We're not leaving you alone with that thing."
"It's not just a thing," Victor said, his voice firm. "It's a being. And if I'm going to bond with it, this is something I have to do on my own."
Sylvia snorted, her feline eyes narrowing. "You're seriously asking us to step out? Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?"
