The Watchers returned.
Three of them. Silent. Unmoving.
They stood just beyond the archway, their featureless faces reflecting the shifting light of the ruin. Their presence was neither hostile nor passive, it was a summons.
Kael and Elira stood side by side, the twins between them.
The Watchers did not speak.
But one extended a hand, not to Kael. Not to Elira.
To the twins.
Elira's body tensed. "They're just babies."
The central Watcher tilted its head. "The realm does not see time as you do. It sees readiness. And resonance."
Kael knelt beside the twins. "We stay with them."
The Watchers gave no answer, but did not object.
What followed was not teaching.
There were no instructions. No spells. No commands.
Only presence.
The Watchers sat, cross-legged, forming a silent circle.
The twins stirred. Eyes opened.
They looked at the Watchers. And blinked.
Then, the air around them shimmered.
Not heat. Not magic. Awareness.
A ripple passed from child to Watcher, and back.
Elira's breath caught.
Kael whispered, "They're listening."