Irina and Astron sat on a smooth stone ledge by the edge of one of the mana-infused pools. The faint glow of the water reflected on their faces, and the soothing sound of the cascading waterfalls filled the air. Irina leaned back slightly, her arms supporting her as she tilted her head to gaze at the shimmering canopy of bioluminescent leaves above.
"This," she said softly, her hazel eyes thoughtful, "is what peace should feel like, isn't it?"
Astron, sitting beside her, rested his forearms on his knees as his sharp purple eyes scanned the surroundings. For a moment, he didn't reply, his expression unreadable. Then, with his usual calm tone, he said, "It may look peaceful to you, but for someone who can discern the details, it's far from peaceful."
Irina raised an eyebrow, turning her head toward him. "What do you mean?"
Astron gestured subtly toward the forest and springs around them. "Look closer. Watch carefully."
