The forest is calm, yet the tension is palpable. A biting wind weaves through the trees, making the leaves quiver and stirring faint wisps of snow. The bear's gaze never leaves Veil and Alynia. Alynia moves slowly, her motions fluid but deliberate. Her ears are perked, her tail slightly raised. Each step is calculated. Alynia (low voice): "Don't move, Louveteau. Watch and wait." Veil remains frozen, his muscles tense. His grip tightens around the hilt of his dagger, his breathing quickening. His eyes are fixed on the bear, and a sense of déjà vu washes over him. Veil (internal monologue): I've been here before… like with the wolves. But this time, it's worse… much worse. Suddenly, Alynia accelerates. Her blurred figure darts between the trees, swift and precise. She leaps onto the trunk of a tree, using it as a springboard to launch herself toward the bear. Her claws glint as they catch the light. The bear roars, shifting abruptly, but Alynia adjusts her trajectory at the last second, grazing its flank with her razor-sharp claws. White fur flies into the air, but the skin beneath its stone-like plates remains untouched. Alynia (frustrated): "Tsk… too thick." She leaps onto another tree trunk to reposition herself, but this time, the bark splinters under her foot. Snap. Her footing slips. Her balance breaks, and her body twists. She reaches out to steady herself, but the frozen ground greets her harshly. Veil (internal monologue, shocked): She fell?! Alynia rolls to the side, but the bear has already seen its opportunity. It charges. The ground shakes with each step. The trees tremble, and a thunderous noise accompanies every impact. Alynia tries to get up, but she's out of time. Veil (internal monologue, panicked): She doesn't have time! She's going to—NO! His body reacts before his mind. His hand instinctively opens, and the thread of the wind activates without his conscious control. A sudden gust surges beneath his feet. BOOM! Veil vanishes from his spot. His vision blurs for a moment as the violent push of the wind propels him forward at an uncontrollable speed. Veil (internal monologue): What is… am I flying?! His body cuts through the air. The trees blur past on either side. His eyes lock onto Alynia, still on the ground. Veil (internal monologue): Not her! Not her! Impact. He reaches Alynia at full speed, grabbing her by the waist. The force of his momentum propels them both far beyond where she had fallen, sending them rolling across the ground. Snow swirls into the air around them, and the forest wind echoes the breach he created. Silence. For a moment, even the bear's heavy steps pause. Alynia is in his arms. Her eyes lock onto his, a mix of astonishment and confusion on her face. Their gazes meet. Alynia (wide-eyed): "…You…" An odd stillness settles over them, as if the world itself has paused. Suddenly, Alynia furrows her brow, her tail flicking the air. Alynia (mocking but slightly flustered): "I know I'm beautiful, but you can put me down now." Veil realizes what he's doing. He looks at his arms, then back at her. His cheeks redden. Veil (awkwardly): "Ah! Yes, yes! Sorry!" He gently sets her down and stands, his gaze darting away. Alynia adjusts her coat, brushing the snow off her shoulders, and casts him a sidelong glance. Alynia (sighs): "You're fast… faster than I expected." They stand together. The ground trembles again. The bear's roar tears through the air, and the branches above shake violently. It hasn't given up. Alynia's eyes shift to the bear. Her posture becomes more focused. This time, her claws are fully extended. Alynia (intensely): "No falling this time." Veil takes his position at her side. Veil (seriously): "No running this time." They exchange a brief glance, a silent synchronization. The wind calms before the storm. The bear charges.