The spiraling stairs beneath the dragon statue descended into a world long forgotten. Moss clung to the curved walls, faintly glowing with green bioluminescence. Niu followed Orimudi in silence, the heavy thud of his heartbeat echoing in his ears louder than their footfalls.
Naria's green pendant hummed at his chest, its energy flickering like a dwindling ember. Whatever remained of his mother's essence inside it, she was quiet now.
When they finally reached the bottom of the staircase, the space opened into a chamber of ancient glass and glowing symbols. The walls flickered with projections of moving stars, spinning models of the sanctuary and the realm of Shamba. It was a map, but of time as much as space. A model of two worlds layered across dimensions.
Niu blinked in awe. "You live here?"
