Silk’s soft claws sliced into the wood, leaving a mark that shimmered briefly before vanishing—as if the tree had swallowed the scratch whole.

He stilled, claws relaxing, muscles tensing. Then, with a fluid grace, he leapt—tree to tree, a shadow in motion.

Above, the sun wept golden tears as it watched him soar.

Silk’s eyes fluttered closed mid-leap. A strange fear stirred in his chest—an unfamil...