Sylfia blinked as she looked closer at the small being now perched on her shoulder. Its wings shimmered faintly with a purplish hue, and instead of the bright glow she'd seen earlier, this one had a soft, dark shine—like moonlight reflected on ink.
Axelius came closer and crouched beside her bed. "She's not a normal sprite," he said. "She's a dark pixie. They only live deep in the forest's core."
Sylfia glanced at him, still weak. "Dark pixie?"
Axelius nodded. "As long as she stays near you, you'll be able to breathe normally here. The miasma won't hurt you anymore. Think of her as your living filter."
Sylfia looked back at the tiny pixie. The creature smiled shyly, eyes glowing faintly violet. "Thank you," Sylfia said softly.
The dark pixie smiled brighter, gave a tiny bow, and then fluttered up—landing gently on Sylfia's head as if it were the most comfortable place in the world.
Axelius chuckled a little at the sight. "Guess she likes you."
