Darius stilled the very moment the sound died.
The forest fell into a silence so complete it felt unnatural, like the entire world had paused just beyond reach. His hand remained firmly over Lyra's mouth, his other arm braced around her waist, holding her steady against him while his gaze locked onto the exact direction where the movement had come from.
His instinct told him whatever it was, was still there. Lurking behind the bushes but he couldn't risk leaving Lyra on her own and going after them.
Whoever or whatever it was, should have revealed itself by now. Predators either struck or retreated, especially when they were noticed. But he suspects that this one was very intentional and had no intention of coming outside.
