The entrance to the Whispering Grove was a simple, unmarked stone archway hidden in a forgotten corner of the Academy grounds. There were no guards, no locks, no magic barriers. There was only a palpable silence that seemed to swallow all sound.
"I can't go in with you," Seraph said, her voice a low murmur. "The Grove… it doesn't like a warrior's spirit. It will see me as a threat." She gave Jonah a long, searching look. "Be respectful. And be honest. I get the feeling it will know if you're lying."
Jonah nodded, his heart pounding a nervous rhythm. He took a deep breath and stepped through the archway alone.
WHOOSH.
Suddenly, the world was different. The normal sounds of the Academy were gone. A deep, calm peace took over. The air was quiet and felt like very old life. Sun shone through the green leaves, making the mossy ground look green and gold. It was like stepping into a dream.
