The forest did not return to normal after the battle.
Even after the last of the Forest Rippers had fallen and their presence faded into the stillness of the trees, something lingered in the air. It was subtle, almost imperceptible to an untrained mind, but to Aether, it was unmistakable. The silence was no longer natural. It carried weight. Intention. Awareness.
The forest was watching.
And more importantly—someone within it was watching him.
Aether stood still for a moment, his gaze scanning the shadows between the trees. The dim light filtering through the dense canopy created layers of darkness that could easily conceal movement. However, despite the stillness, he did not feel immediate danger. Whoever was observing him was not attacking—not yet.
"…They haven't left," the Fallen Succubus said softly, her voice echoing within his mind. "They're careful. Patient."
Aether exhaled slowly, his posture relaxed but alert. "Good."
There was no hesitation in his tone.
No concern.
