Chapter 351

He sprang to his feet, his hand reaching for his blade as his eyes widened. It had occurred to him that not calling out right away could have been a poor idea; he didn't want to draw attention to himself beyond the flames. He reasoned that by wearing it, he'd be warm and be able to see anyone approaching from the front. His frontal arc was filled with trees and plants, and his eyes were trained on them in search of anything unusual. Nothing. There was perfect stillness and silence.

There was no sound. There wasn't a peep from a bird or a cricket chirping, and there was nothing else to be heard. The rustling of the leaves in the breeze was also imperceptible.