Jonah walked back into the workshop, his steps light, his heart full. The Heartwood Seed rested in the palm of his hand. A small, warm weight pulsing with a golden light. It felt like holding a tiny, sleeping sun. He had passed the Treant's trial. He had the final piece he needed for Project Requiem.
He pushed open the heavy door, a triumphant smile on his face, ready to tell Vanessa the good news.
But the words died in his throat. He stopped dead in the doorway, his eyes widening in shock.
The workshop had been completely transformed.
His small couch and personal things had been pushed to the far walls. In the center of the room, dominating the space, was a massive, new piece of equipment. It was a big, round, flat surface, ten feet wide, made of shiny black rock. The whole platform had many glowing lines carved on it. These silver and gold lines crossed each other in very detailed ways, enough to make him feel confused.
