The two guards led Emery deeper into the forest.
The path wound between ancient trees whose enormous roots rose in arches above the moss-covered ground. Slow-moving runes glowed across their bark, casting a soft light through the mist. Thumb-sized fireflies drifted between the branches, leaving trails of gold and violet behind them. Nearby, streams flowed beneath bridges of living wood, their clear waters reflecting the forest's gentle glow. Something silver stirred beneath the surface before slipping out of sight.
Fairies watched Emery from the branches as he passed, some no bigger than his palm.
Yet something about the forest felt different from what he remembered through the Dark Avatar's memories. The surroundings were familiar, but the forest seemed quieter, and the runes glowing across the trees were dimmer than he remembered.
Emery noticed the difference but said nothing.
After a long walk, the trees gradually opened into a clearing.
