Morning touched the treetops long before it reached me. I had been awake for a while, staring at the soft light leaking through the leaves. Sylveon lay curled beside me, white fur rising and falling with every quiet breath. We had camped just outside the Evergreen settlement the night before, hidden up on a thick branch that gave us a clear view of the wooden walls in the distance.
The plan was simple. I go in. He stays hidden. I find work and a place to sleep. Then I sneak him in at night. Nothing complicated. Nothing heroic. Just… normal.
Sylveon stretched and opened one eye.
[Leaving already?]
"Yeah," I whispered. "I should get going while the streets are still quiet."
[I'll stay close.]
