Thorns snapped like jaws. A huge creature, its body made of twisted vines and bark, blocked her path. Its eyes were hollow voids, and it growled with ancient hunger.
Lucky trembled, but instead of fighting, she spoke gently. "You're hurting. Why?"
The beast paused. The darkness in its eyes flickered. Lucky reached out with a lightspell—a simple one, powered by kindness. The beast howled and fled, vines unraveling.
"I didn't win by strength," Lucky whispered. "I won by listening."