The forest near Emberwatch had always been calm. Birds sang, trees whispered in the wind, and the rivers flowed as if time itself respected their rhythm.
But today, the air buzzed with unseen energy.
Branches trembled despite no breeze. Stones cracked beneath invisible pressure. And fireflies gathered in swarms — as if drawn to something awakening.
At the forest's heart, beneath a blackened oak, Isen stood alone.
The symbol on her arm — Darian's name — glowed faintly.
She didn't understand it.
But it pulsed like a heartbeat.
And something in her gut whispered: He's close.
---
Darian stepped through the treeline a few miles away, escorted by Kaela and Neriya. Solin remained back in Emberwatch, monitoring the Cycle readings, which had begun to spike dangerously with each passing hour.
"She's here," Neriya said, tapping the ground. "The stone itself remembers her steps."
Kaela adjusted the clasp on her flame-cloak. "So does the air."
Darian didn't respond.
