It wasn't loud.
But it didn't need to be.
The voice was calm, steady, and clear. The kind that didn't raise its tone because it didn't have to.
"You three were chosen for more than just skill or superpowers," it said.
The sound came from somewhere beyond the trees—not too far, but not close either. It was meant to be heard from where they stood, but they had not answered yet.
"You were chosen because all three of you carry a connection to the Tree of Life."
That sentence settled the air like a drop in still water.
All three girls stopped moving.
Everly's arms lowered slowly from where they'd been half-crossed. Nyssara took one quiet step back, her brow pulling in slightly.
Evelyn didn't flinch, didn't move her body, but her eyes shifted. Not panic—just calculation. She scanned the trees without turning her head.
The voice came again. Still smooth. Still composed.
