Lira stepped through the shimmering portal, Fluffy padding beside her, his small cat-like form nimble and curious. The familiar scent of earth and herbs greeted her, wrapping around her like a protective embrace. She blinked as sunlight filtered through the canopy above—the soft, golden rays catching on dew-kissed leaves.
Renkai, Thalanir, and Serelyth were already waiting beneath the ancient tree at the grove's heart. Serelyth, in her majestic dragon form, lowered her head gracefully, scales gleaming faintly in the sun, while Renkai shifted back into his fox form, tail flicking lazily. Thalanir stood tall, eyes scanning the grove with a calm, grounding presence.
Home. Lira felt it deep in her chest, the rare, profound comfort of belonging. The old giant tree, its roots twisting into the earth like a guardian, seemed to pulse with quiet welcome, leaves rustling in acknowledgment of her return.
