The journey to the Elders' sanctuary had left Kael, Morgana, and Darien with a sense of clarity—but it also planted a seed of unease that grew with each passing day. Life at the camp resumed, their people gradually settling back into routine. Yet Kael couldn't shake the feeling that the peace they'd won was a fragile one. The Elders' words about balance echoed in his mind constantly, as if warning him to stay alert for the first signs of disruption.
One crisp morning, Kael awoke before dawn. He found himself drawn to the edges of the camp, where the forest loomed dark and silent, its depths obscured by lingering mist. The early light cast long shadows across the clearing, each one stretching like dark fingers that reached toward their camp. It was a reminder that even in moments of quiet, shadows lurked just beyond sight.
As he wandered, Kael heard a soft footfall behind him and turned to see Morgana approaching, her expression thoughtful.
