{{Forest – Midnight Escape}}
Jin's breath was ragged, his legs burning as he sprinted through the forest.
Tristan's body felt unnaturally cold in his arms, her once-vibrant energy now fading. Blood stained his hands, the same hands that had been too slow, too weak to protect her.
"Hold on, Tristan," he muttered, his voice breaking.
Her breathing was shallow. Each exhale weaker than the last.
Then—
A rustling from behind.
Jin's instincts flared. He twisted his body, prepared to fight—
But it wasn't an enemy.
A pair of golden eyes glowed in the darkness.
A feline form emerged from the shadows, its sleek green fur blending seamlessly with the trees.
The Verdant Fang.
Jin exhaled sharply. "You—"
Before he could finish, the creature's form shimmered, shifting.
Its body elongated, muscles expanding, fur bristling like sharp blades of grass.
From a harmless feline, it became a massive tiger-like beast, its emerald fur flowing like leaves in the wind, golden eyes blazing with primal power.
Its piercing gaze locked onto him.
"What happened?" its voice was firm, commanding.
Jin gritted his teeth. "No time—she's dying."
The Verdant Fang didn't hesitate. It crouched low. "Get on."
Jin wasted no time, climbing onto its back with Tristan still in his arms.
As soon as he was secure, the beast surged forward, its powerful legs carrying them through the forest in a blur of speed.
The trees vanished behind them.
{{Veridale – The Gates}}
The towering city walls came into view, the flickering torches casting long shadows over the entrance.
The guards barely had time to react. Some reached for their weapons, while others simply stared, frozen in a mix of awe and terror.
"Is that… the Verdant Fang?"
Jin didn't care.
His focus was solely on Tristan.
Her body was limp, barely breathing.
His grip tightened. "Stay with me, dammit."
The Verdant Fang leaped.
The world blurred.
Then—
They soared over the city walls.
Gasps erupted from the guards below as the beast landed smoothly within the city. Its massive paws barely made a sound.
Jin's voice was frantic. "The infirmary—where?!"
The Verdant Fang didn't answer. It ran.
{{Veridale – The Infirmary}}
The building came into view, lanterns flickering in the night. The moment they reached the entrance, Jin jumped off, nearly collapsing from exhaustion.
He didn't stop.
He pushed open the door, his voice hoarse but urgent.
"We need a healer! NOW!"
Several figures rushed forward, their eyes widening at the sight of Tristan's bloodied form.
"She's burning up—get her inside!"
Hands reached out, taking her from Jin.
He staggered, his body screaming in protest.
He watched as they carried her away, voices blurring together.
His vision swayed.
His knees buckled.
Darkness closed in.
And then—
He collapsed.