Caria's grip on Rhys's hand tightened. "Perceive what's hidden," she repeated, eyes narrowing. "Then we pay attention—closely, together."
Rhys inclined his head, scanning the hall. The currents here were strange, almost purposeful, twisting to form false passages, hiding the real path beneath layers of deception. Floating shards of coral rotated slowly, their reflections creating ghostly duplicates of themselves, a labyrinth of illusions as much as obstacles.
A sudden surge sent the trio spinning briefly, testing their balance and coordination. Rhys felt Puddle respond instantly, spiraling around them to form a temporary shield, pushing against the chaotic flows. "Trust your instincts," Rhys called to Caria, "and trust each other."
The giant Siren drifted closer, its form dissolving and reforming with each pulse of the water. "The path cannot be seen with eyes alone," it said. "It must be understood. One misstep, and the currents will carry you into the void."
