"If he sends warriors to take her by force—to remove the 'problem' before you can make your choice—what do you think Chief Nyx will do?"
Understanding crashed over him like ice water.
"He'll fight them."
"And then we'll have war. Not just exile. Not just political fallout. Actual war between leopards and panthers. Twenty dead will become hundreds."
Mira squeezed his arm.
"You need to get back to Shadowclaw. Immediately. Protect her. Because if something happens to that blessed child..."
Her eyes held his.
"The gods may never forgive us. And we'll deserve everything that follows."
"I need to leave now."
"Yes. You do."
Roshan turned toward the exit, then paused.
Looked back at Mira.
"Thank you. For trying. For remembering."
"Go," Mira said softly. "Before it's too late."
ฅᨐฅ ⚞ • ⚟ ฅᨐฅ
Roshan's paws hit the ground running.
He'd shifted the moment he left the village.
Leopard form. Faster. Stronger.
Trees blurred past.
Three days.
Mira's warning echoed in his head.
