Kriz gave Zara a final wink before quickly moving away, his rabbit making a gesture with its tail before disappearing. The yellow bunny seemed to hop into nothingness, vanishing as swiftly as its owner.
"Hey," Elio said, approaching with a shy smile. Ember leapt to his shoulder, observing Zara and Flare with curiosity. "Are you okay? I saw you talking with Kriz and you seemed... upset."
Zara felt her heart racing, anticipation and nervousness coursing through her veins. "Oh, it's nothing. You know how Kriz is," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. Flare, sensing her inner turmoil, nuzzled closer to her neck, offering silent support.
Elio nodded nervously. Ember took advantage of the movement to rub her head against Elio's cheek, as if trying to calm him. The salamander's warmth seemed to give Elio a boost of courage. "Listen, Zara... Brok told me... about those girls..."