The cool air of the evening wrapped gently around Kyle as he stepped out for a walk, the crisp scent of the forest drifting in on the wind.
The long day behind him had left knots in his shoulders and an ache in his mind, but the quiet helped.
With each step, the tension seemed to fade, until all that was left was the sound of his boots on the dirt path and the hum of distant crickets.
He hadn't gone far when he felt a pulse—bright and warm—through the bond he shared with Queen.
It was rare for the beast to radiate such raw joy, and Kyle, curious, shifted directions and made his way toward the nest chamber.
As soon as he entered, a sharp crack echoed in the room. Kyle froze for a moment, then dashed toward the center.
Queen chirped in excitement, its tail swaying as it hovered protectively over the cracked egg.
There it was—his egg. The one he had guarded and entrusted to Queen.
