{"Be where your enemy is not"}
TOR'S POV
We spent nearly five hours searching for Aqua and Fennel, only for the trail to end near Sagstone Mountain. They hadn't taken the water router—the boat was still docked in the harbor. That was when we found Rou in his beast form, pacing anxiously by the beach. The moment he spotted us, he shifted back, surprising both Flora and General Tiger.
"They took a slip route to Sagstone Mountain," he said hurriedly. "They've been gone for the past three hours."
I nodded, taking in his words before turning to the rest of the search party. "Stop the search. We're returning to Bay Shifter lands."
Rou's eyes widened. As I moved closer to him, I said firmly, "It would be best if we went with you."
He shook his head. "I need to stay here in case anything happens. But I'll come to Bay Shifter lands in the morning."