The air changed.
The ripples Moonbounce had conjured began to twist — no longer circular, but spiraling inward, like the surface of the water was being pulled toward an unseen depth. The glow grew stronger, silver light bleeding into gold until the pool's reflection shattered entirely.
Then, without warning—
A portal tore open beneath the surface.
The water didn't splash or explode — it simply folded in on itself, forming a hollow sphere of light that pulsed with ancient power. Mana screamed softly through the air, a resonance so old it made even Aurelius stir within Rhys's heartspace.
Caria stumbled back, eyes wide. "What the hell—?! What's happening?!"
Rhys's instincts flared instantly, his hand moving toward his sword. "Moonbounce, stop the flow!"
But the ancient turtle only blinked, his tone calm. "It is not I. The seal was waiting."
