Lucian pulled the Grimoire from his bag and opened it with care. Its pages fluttered, guided by unseen hands, until a new one appeared—inked with threadlight that shimmered gently.
[New Rite Available: The Rite of Emberwake]
He felt warmth throughout his chest. It wasn't painful, but deep, like a hearthfire in winter.
The Grimoire's message felt almost personal; a recognition of the shift happening inside Austmark.
"What is it?" Alice leaned over his shoulder.
"Something old, maybe forgotten. A rite meant to stir embers, not flames. To remind instead of ignite."
"A rite for people like this town," Alice said softly. "Trying to remember who they were without burning everything down."
Lucian nodded. "Exactly."
They made their way through the southern quarter of Austmark. The houses were modest but well-kept. Flower boxes lined the windows, most filled with soil but no blooms. A lingering quiet in the gardens, like someone had tended them out of habit, not hope.
