Promises and Roars ( 172 )

Javier dusted himself off, turning to Liana with a grin. "Liana?"

"Yes, Young Master?" she replied, still visibly shaken from their encounter with Eridith.

"Let's go home," Javier said casually, referring to their rented house in the capital city.

Liana nodded, her voice steady but soft. "Yes, Young Master."

As they prepared to leave, Javier noticed Buddy and Pikko still huddled together, their feathers puffed up and trembling slightly. He tilted his head, frowning. "What's wrong with you two?"

He walked over to them, placing a reassuring hand on Buddy's beak. "Hey, I'm here. You don't have to worry about the 'lizard.' She's gone, alright?"

Buddy let out a nervous squawk but gradually calmed down under Javier's touch. Pikko followed suit, straightening her feathers as her confidence returned.