The tremor faded, leaving an eerie stillness in the air. Kai's hand hovered near his sword as he studied Caelum, trying to read the truth behind his haunted expression.
"Elara," Caelum said softly, "you carry the amulet. It may react to the summoner's presence."
Elara frowned. "React how?"
Caelum reached slowly toward the amulet. The moment his fingers came close, the crystal flared—gold at first, then abruptly streaked with a thin line of dark purple. The light trembled, almost recoiling.
Kai stepped in front of Elara instantly. "What does that mean?"
Caelum's face tightened. "It means the summoner's mark is close. Their magic has touched this forest recently."
Elara's heartbeat quickened. "They were watching the rift."
"Yes," Caelum said. "And they wanted me to feel it."
A gust of cold wind swept through the trees, bending branches as if pushed by invisible hands. Somewhere in the darkness, a faint whisper slithered past them—neither human nor creature.
Kai narrowed his eyes. "They're leading us somewhere."
Caelum nodded grimly. "Or luring us."
Elara grasped the amulet, its glow flickering between light and shadow.
"Then we follow carefully," she whispered.
"Because the summoner is closer than we think."