Silver Creek Harpy Hare

Summoned, Makhai dogged the steps of his younger sister as if it were Europia's call ringing through the trees. Head low, eyes scanning the forest, he fell into step at her flank. Even when the sight of their old Prophet sprawled by the water sent her running, the Prince kept pace. His ears slicked back against his skull briefly, but a cursory glance at the old woman told him all he needed to know. She lived. That was enough, for now.

Head up, little sister, Makhai murmured to Europia, words for her ears alone. The Queen is watching. The Queen; no longer Thalassa, no longer their sister. A woman whose every word was a command. A woman who would see even the smallest weakness and cut it away with ruthless precision. He leaned closer to Europia, offering a shoulder for her to brace herself against if she should need it. Now was no time to show weakness.