The shift happened too quickly for anyone to pretend it was still theoretical.
Otto moved first, instinct taking over before strategy could catch up. He stepped toward Arion with one hand already half-raised, as though he meant to reach for his son and drag him bodily back behind the marked barrier. Dax caught his forearm before he could take the second step.
"Not yet."
Otto looked at him sharply.
Dax did not release him immediately. His attention remained fixed on the beasts gathered around Arion, on the way, the nearest one still pressed its massive head against Arion's knee, while another had settled at his side with unnatural calm, both of them large enough that one wrong movement could turn the clearing into blood and torn flesh.
"They're watching us," Dax said.
That was true.
