The sound made her bones vibrate, made her ears ring, but Wish forced herself to move forward.
One step. Then another.
The lion stood completely still, watching her approach. His wings spread slightly, his tail lashed once, twice. Every line of his body screamed tension—muscles coiled, ready to spring.
Wish took another trembling step, reaching out with one shaking hand. "Please, I just need you to—"
His wings beat once, powerfully, and he launched himself into the air.
"Wait!" Wish's hand grasped at empty air as the massive silver form shot upward, disappearing into the canopy above. The rush of wind from his departure nearly knocked her off her feet.
He was gone.
Wish stood frozen, staring up at the crimson-stained leaves where he'd vanished. Her chest felt tight, her breathing ragged.
Why did he run? Why did he go?
Wish stared at the empty space where he'd been, her outstretched hand still trembling.
