Morning came slowly.
The storm had weakened.
A pale light filled the cave.
Xu Tian opened his eyes.
He hadn't really slept.
He looked down.
The children were still safe.
"…We made it," he said.
He stood up and looked at the beast.
It hadn't moved.
Xu Tian stepped closer.
"…You were different," he murmured.
He reached out and touched it.
A strange warmth spread through his body.
Familiar.
Xu Tian narrowed his eyes.
"…This again."
It was weaker than before.
But steady.
He pulled his hand back.
The warmth faded slowly.
"…So it's connected."
He looked at his hand.
Then back at the beast.
Something was changing.
A soft sound pulled him back.
The boy stirred.
Xu Tian walked over.
"It's alright," he said.
The girl looked at him again.
Calm as always.
Xu Tian paused.
"…You notice it too?"
No answer.
He looked toward the entrance.
The storm had passed.
"…We need to move."
His voice was steadier now.
Xu Tian stepped outside.
The cold hit him again.
But it didn't feel as overwhelming.
He took a step forward.
Then another.
Something inside him felt different.
Not sudden.
But growing.
Xu Tian frowned slightly.
"…What are you?"
Only the wind answered.
But this time, it didn't feel as cold.