Tave's eyes snapped open.
Immediately, he felt it. That surge, like a current of raw power rushing through every nerve in his body. He sat up straight, breath sharp, muscles tensed not from pain, but from an overwhelming sense of restoration.
"Woof!"
Fang bounded excitedly around him, tail whipping the air as he barked again and again, the sounds bursting with joy and energy. It was less a greeting and more a celebration. Like he'd been shouting for Tave to wake up.
Tave smiled, just a small curve of his lips, and exhaled slowly. The cool air hit his lungs like clarity.
He glanced around.
He was lying just outside the forest's edge.
Huh…
Last thing he remembered, he was inside, right before the border. He must've collapsed after the ritual. It had taken more out of him than he thought. But Fang must've pulled him here. Dragged or carried him out while he was unconscious.
Of course he did.
