The clearing seemed to hold its breath along with them.
The symbol atop the largest stone continued pulsing, now in a rhythm reminiscent of a heartbeat.
—
Kael gave the signal.
Nikita and Helena advanced first, weapons lowered but ready.
Samantha and Amina scanned every meter of the terrain.
Claudia and Camila secured the rear.
—
As Kael approached the circle of stones, he felt it.
It wasn't ordinary energy.
It was consciousness.
Something—or someone—was trying to manifest.
—
Suddenly, a soft mist arose among the stones.
It wasn't natural.
It wasn't a threat.
It was a threshold.
The mist lifted gently and, at its center, took form:
A hooded figure.
Tall.
Features undefined.
But the symbols adorning its cloak were clear.
The League's Insignia.
Ancient. Far older than any known.
—
The group held formation.
Kael did not raise any weapon.
— Identify yourself — he said firmly.
The figure replied with a serene voice that seemed to echo not only in the air but within the very layers of time:
— I am the one who remained behind.
Guardian of the forgotten cycle.
The Lost Link.
—
The witches exchanged glances.
Even Otrho, listening through the transmission, remained silent.
The figure continued:
— When the first cycle failed, I was left as the watchman.
— Now, the cycle returns.
— And the Stone must choose whether to rebuild… or break what remains.
Kael remained calm, despite the weight of the words.
— Why now?
The response was simple:
— Because the shadow no longer sleeps.
— And new echoes rise against the Abyss.
—
Before he could ask further, the figure raised its hand.
In the center of its palm, the same symbol shone one last time.
A new point was marked on the temporal map.
A new mission.
Then, slowly, the mist and the figure began to dissipate.
The message had been delivered.
The next step was theirs.
Kael turned to the group.
— Regroup.
— Return to the Base.
— We have work to do.
The witches nodded.
Time had spoken once more.
And the Clan was ready to listen.