The moonstone's ethereal glow cast shimmering reflections on the forest floor as Velene stepped closer. Her hand hovered above its surface, curiosity sparking in her eyes. The moment her fingers grazed the stone, she gasped and yanked her hand back, a sharp hiss escaping her lips. A faint wisp of smoke rose from her singed skin, the forest suddenly feeling heavier with the tension of unanswered questions.
Ravenor frowned but said nothing, his dark gaze fixed on the moonstone. It was now cold and inert in his palm, as if mocking Velene's failure. Elara's eyes were drawn to the luminous artifact, her heart stirring with an unspoken desire to touch it—to feel its power. But Velene's reaction held her back. The lake's chill clung to her soaked clothes, and she shivered, wrapping her arms around herself to suppress the trembling.
