Family.
The monsters were relentless. One lunged toward Nila, its claws extended. Cyrus roared, his wolf instincts surging to the surface as he intercepted the creature, driving his blade through its chest. "Stay close!" he barked, his protective instincts on high alert.
By dawn, the monsters had been driven back, their charred and broken bodies littering the palace. The fires in the forest still smouldered, but the kingdom had been saved—for now.
Cyrus and Nila, bloodied but unbroken, returned to the royal chambers to find Arian waiting for them, his eyes wide with worry. He ran to them, throwing his arms around their legs. "Mama! Papa! I was so scared!"
Cyrus knelt, pulling his son into a fierce embrace. "It's over," he said softly. "You're safe."
Nila kissed the top of Arian's head, tears of relief streaming down her face. "We're all safe."