A/N: I accidentally uploaded an older version of the previous chapter during the last daily upload. I've since corrected it (10/22/2025). Thank you for your patience.
The gentle rustling of leaves pierced the silence following the tense confrontation between Aerion and the Inquisitor. The darkness gave way to a grove of young, slender trees, quite unlike the ancient, gnarled forests of Sylvarus. Their broad, golden leaves seemed to flicker with flames in the red glow of the setting sun, which peered through the trunks. The air was crisp and clean, bearing a hint of winter's chill. A few lazy trails of smoke rose into the reddening sky in the distance.
Another vision? I blinked, looking down at myself. Sure enough, despite the warmth of the sun, fresh air, and the caress of the autumn breeze, I was in my soul form. But this vision felt… visceral. A vision, but not.
