They moved further inland, away from the meadow where they had camped. The air itself seemed different the deeper they went — heavier, but fragrant, full of sweet nectar and pollen. The trees here had bark like silver, and their roots glowed faintly, weaving into patterns across the ground like veins of light.
Fluffy bounded ahead, chasing fluttering creatures with wings like stained glass. One of them brushed against Patricia's cheek, leaving behind a shimmer that lingered like sparkling dust. "This place feels… alive," she whispered.
Thalanir, ears twitching, shifted briefly into his deer form and sniffed the air. "Alive, yes. And listening."
Their path brought them to a lake so still it looked like glass. When Lira knelt to touch the surface, ripples spread outward, but instead of her reflection, she saw another version of herself — older, regal, her hair adorned with living vines. Startled, she pulled her hand back.
"Did you see that?" she asked.
