The trees closed around them like a protective canopy, filtering the sunlight into dappled patterns on the forest floor.
"It's about half a day's journey," Roshan said, voice low. "On foot. But there's a faster way."
He stopped walking and turned to face her.
"I'm going to shift. Into my beast form. You can ride on my back. It'll cut the travel time significantly."
Faelyn's heart jumped.
'His beast form. The massive golden leopard I saw that first day when he and Nyx were fighting that bear and I ran for my life—'
[Oh this is gonna be GOOD,] Puffball said gleefully.
"Okay," Faelyn said, trying to sound calmer than she felt.
Roshan nodded, then stepped back to give himself space.
And then he shifted.
The transformation was fluid, almost liquid. His body rippling and expanding, bones restructuring, golden fur erupting across his skin. Within seconds, the man was gone.
In his place stood a massive golden leopard.
Easily the size of a small car.
