Fenrir hesitated as his blank stare was instantly understood by Noah. The beast was the most recent to receive something; it shouldn't be his turn to get something else.
As Fenrir moved, Noah turned his attention to Ailetta. There was no need for words between them now. She had already seen what he had seen, already understood what had changed.
He gave a small nod.
"We'll address it when we return," he said, his tone leaving no room for debate.
Ailetta didn't argue.
Noah shifted his focus back to Fenrir as he approached, the core still resting in his hand. For a brief moment, Noah studied it, as if confirming his decision one last time.
Then he extended his hand.
"Take it."
Under the jealous stares boring into him from every angle, Fenrir didn't hesitate.
The moment the core left Noah's grasp, the air seemed to tighten, as if the forest itself was holding its breath in anticipation of what would come next.
At the same time, Noah's gaze flickered back toward Ailetta.
