“Didn't expect to see you here. Did you follow me?” Noah asked her, joking. Enya dropped her hands, groaning at the sight of him.

“I was looking for better clothes.” Noah scanned her outfit. Enya wore a white, button-up shirt, black trousers, and a pair of formal shoes she swiped from a staff member working at the castle. Her long hair laid pulled back in a messy bun, her bangs swept to the right as they fell out.

“Haha, yeah. Those clothes aren't exactly suited for forest life.”

“I know. That's why I was trying to find some new ones,” Enya told him.

Noah averted his gaze, the look on his face saying, 'Of course, duh.'

“What about you? Why are you wearing a suit?” Enya asked, pointing towards his light blue, button-up shirt and tan trousers. If anyone outside the royal family saw his clothes, they would assume Noah's clothes were new, but not Enya.

Noah's cheeks reddened at her words, his fingers pulling down the slightly used sleeves. “I—I've saved this for when I come here. It's better than wearing my usual clothes.” Enya nodded once, the movement slow.

“Yeah, because suits don't make you look suspicious at all.”

Noah let out a hearty chuckle. “We'll be suspicious together, then.” Enya rolled her eyes, crossing her arms across her chest.

As Enya opened her mouth to retort, a sudden shout thundered through the air. Both Enya and Noah turned to see two, large men closing in on them.

“You two! You're coming with us.” Enya and Noah exchanged a look of surprise before Enya grabbed Noah's wrist and pulled him into the forest. She dragged Noah past each tree and around each hole, heading away from the stream.

“Do you know those guys? Why are they chasing after us?” Noah asked her. Enya looked back at him for a second.

Whipping her head back around and curving around a large tree trunk, Enya said in a calm voice, “I don't know, but I doubt anything good will happen if they catch us. Move it.” Noah remained silent before looking to the sky and whistling. The high-pitched shrill carried through the wind, sounding much louder in the overwhelming silence. “What are you doing? Now, they'll know where we are!” Noah held up a finger, telling Enya to wait a moment.

A familiar, loud flapping noise erupted through the air, sending a gust past Enya's ears. Enya looked up, halting as a white blur descended. Belia settled on the ground. She gave Noah a toothy smile, her eyes crinkled. As the two men neared them, Belia jerked her head in their direction, letting out a deafening hiss, and made a move as if to pounce. The men stopped dead in their tracks. They stared at her fangs before glancing at each other.

“I don't get paid enough for this,” one said, running away. The other looked after him. He turned to see Belia taking small steps towards him, ready to strike. A bloodcurdling scream crawled out from his throat as his legs darted away.

Noah ran up to Belia and wrapped his arms around her neck, squeezing tightly. He nuzzled his face into her fur. “Thank you, girl. I couldn't have done it without you.” Noah pulled away and looked at Enya. “We couldn't have done it.”

Enya dropped her gaze and took slow steps towards Belia, her body tense and restless. She stopped two steps away and said, “Thank you.” Belia nodded once before looking to Noah for praise. Noah laughed, seeing her wanting eyes, and scratched behind her ear.

“Okay, okay. I'll find us some food and give you a treat. What would you like this time?” Belia rubbed her head against Noah's side, purring. Noah stroked her head, a soft smile lighting up his features. “I knew you'd say that.” Noah dropped his hand as Belia looked at him. “After we eat, I'll snuggle with you for as long as you like.” Belia let out a small purr.

Enya watched the two exchange words, their close relationship bringing a smile to her lips. She wanted to stay longer, but if those two men proved anything, it was that Enya needed to stay far away from others. She clenched her bag and snuck away.