Deep within the heart of the Fey Forest, inside a sacred shrine lost to the world, a girl with shimmering silver hair sat cross-legged in perfect stillness. Her eyes were closed, her breaths deep and measured. Before her, resting on a moss-covered dais, stood an ancient tree carved with runes of light. Its bark shimmered faintly, glowing with the whispers of long-forgotten power.
Beside her sat a figure unlike any other—a wooden figure in the shape of a man, entwined in luminous jade threads that pulsed with living energy. Though he appeared lifeless, something stirred within. This was no construct. This was Emery.
The girl abruptly opened her eyes, determination burning in her gaze.
"Father," she said, standing to her feet. "Let me give it another try!"
Raising her hands, she channeled the magic of the runes. The jade threads binding Emery began to tremble and writhe, reacting to her effort. But within moments, they snapped taut again, locking him down as firmly as ever.
