Nathan helped Elshienne climb onto Huno's back, and then he got on behind her. The beast was warm and solid, a strong presence that made them both feel safer right away.
"Are you two okay?" Huno asked, his deep voice rumbling like thunder.
"Thank you, Huno!" Elshienne said as she hugged his thick fur. Her hands trembled a little, but she managed to smile. Huno didn't move much—his glowing eyes never left the woman who had escaped the car. He was growling softly, a low warning sound.
Nathan looked at the broken car, then at Huno. "You almost came late."
"I apologize," Huno said seriously, "That car had something strange… something blocking me. It stopped me from coming close. It's like a barrier—but only within a certain range."
Nathan's eyes narrowed. "A barrier?"
"Yes," Huno said. "A very specific one. I was watching from your shadow, but the moment you both stepped outside that barrier, even just for a few seconds… I slipped through."
Elshienne frowned. "That's… scary."
