Slowly, I closed my eyes, listening to the wind rustle the emerald leaves above, and the gentle beating of Damar's heart.
For a moment, the world felt safe. Felt too peaceful to be considered a world for the wild.
I wasn't deep under when I felt it—a subtle vibration in the ground, the sound of grass being flattened by something that didn't want to be heard. Something was coming from a long distance away.
My ears moved and my eyes snapped open. I didn't move a muscle, but I could tell the others were awake too. Their breathing had changed, turning shallow and alert.
Fenric had lifted his head from my shoulder.
"Fenric," I whispered, the name barely a breath, as I turned my head to look at him.
He didn't turn his head to me, but I felt his body tense. He raised his hand, placing his index finger over his lips in a numb, silent shush.
