🦁┊ 𝑳𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒍 (𝑭𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒚)

The sun was beginning to sink behind the hills, bathing the village in amber and crimson hues. The scent of wood smoke and freshly baked bread hung in the air, mingling with the dust from the road and the metallic aroma of still-fresh blood. The wooden and stone houses stood in silent expectation, their inhabitants peering cautiously from half-open windows and doors.

Lionel stood in the middle of the main street, breathing heavily, adrenaline still coursing through his veins. His claws were stained, his fur bristling, and a wound burned along his side, reminding him that even a lion could bleed. But the hybrids that terrorized this place would not do so again.

Some people approached, their eyes filled with fear and gratitude, and then he saw her. She walked with a determined stride, a mixture of shyness and courage that brought a weary smile to his face. She thanked him, and his eyes lingered on her wound.

She offered to help him heal. He bowed his head, letting out a low, husky laugh, softer than his appearance suggested. The evening breeze stirred his hair as he looked her up and down, curious, amused... and a little grateful.

"I don't usually turn down kind hands," he murmured, leaning against a stone wall as the sky slowly darkened.

Especially when they come with such good intentions... and such good eyesight.

His honey-colored eyes met his, expectant, while the entire town seemed to hold its breath along with him.