They drifted forward into the golden light.
The water felt different here—calmer, warmer, like a slow breath after danger. The currents no longer pushed or tested them. They simply carried them onward. The coral walls faded into smooth stone, glowing softly, and the strange echoes of illusion were gone.
Rhys relaxed his shoulders, though he stayed alert. "This place… it's listening," he said quietly.
Caria nodded. "But it's not judging right now."
Ahead, the path opened into a wide chamber. At its center floated a crystal pool, perfectly still, reflecting not just their shapes but faint images—moments from their journey, flashes of fear, trust, hesitation, and resolve. The water showed not what they looked like, but who they were when tested.
Puddle slowed and dipped part of its form into the pool. The light around it brightened, responding gently, like recognition rather than command.
A voice rose—not loud, not threatening.
