At The Gate.

The Obsidian Prowler froze, a low growl vibrating from its chest. The pressure of its paw on my chest lessened, its gaze shifting cautiously between me and Kyu. It recognized that, despite its rage, it was outmatched by the strange beast now standing guard between us.

"If I don't do this, you're going to lose them both," I said, my voice steady despite the adrenaline pumping through my veins. I could feel my heartbeat hammering in my ears, but I refused to break eye contact with the prowler. It had to understand—this was its only chance.

Kyu, standing protectively between us, let out a low, rumbling growl of its own, a sound that resonated with authority. The prowler's jaws, still dangerously close to my throat, finally snapped shut as it let out a reluctant snarl and stepped back, giving me room to breathe. Its eyes, still filled with a mix of rage and desperation, locked onto me as if warning me to make no mistake.