Ever since he had come back, Claus was a different person. Gone was the hot-blooded young boy from before. Now he was quieter and less outgoing. He'd still be feisty sometimes, but mostly kept his distance from others, except for Lucas, who he went everywhere with.
When they were young, Claus made sure Lucas felt safe. Now, it was the other way around. Whenever they'd see Dragos while walking along the mountains, Claus would freeze and hold Lucas' hand tightly. Whenever they'd have to pass by the cliffs, Claus would cling to Lucas' arm. At night, Claus would always go to sleep nestled on Lucas' chest.
One day, while they were having lunch in the forest, a fox decided to do away with Lucas' sandwiches. It took their picnic basket and ran into the trees.
Before Lucas could react, Claus was already on his toes. He bolted after the creature. Lucas heard a thud followed by a yelp. Claus came back carrying the basket and smiling triumphantly. Lucas laughed.
With everything that was different now, he was glad to know some things hadn't changed.