The shard's energy surged, and the ground beneath them erupted with brilliant light.
Zoe squinted against the glare, her grip tightening on her staff as the symbols etched into the crystalline surface shifted again, forming intricate new patterns.
The air buzzed with tension, and the oppressive hum returned, deeper and more resonant.
"Alright," Zoe muttered, glancing at the glowing tree. "It's definitely watching us now. Snacks, you're on distraction duty. Don't let it get any funny ideas."
Snacks chirped sharply, his wings flickering with renewed energy.
He darted toward one of the nearby crystalline formations, his presence causing the jagged branches to ripple as though alive.
"The symbols are changing again," Quinn said, their tone clipped as they studied the detector. "It's not just waiting for us to act. It's adapting."
"Then we'll adapt faster," Gavin said, his sword drawn and ready.
