A full week had passed since Arden and Dion went deeper into the forest.
Nothing.
They haven't found the abnormal signs or even a clue connected to the recent awakenings.
By the seventh day, even Arden had to admit it.
"This area is clean," he said quietly.
Dion lay on his back on the grass, one arm behind his head, staring at the leaves above.
"Clean forests are boring forests."
Arden sighed and sat down nearby, carefully setting his notes aside.
"You say that now, but last time you complained about being chased for three days."
"That was different. That one had teeth."
Dion rolled to a sitting position and stretched his shoulders.
His breathing slowed, his expression easing into focus.
The lazy smile didn't disappear, but something sharper sat behind it.
"I'm close," he said.
Arden looked up at him at once. "Close… how close?"
"Really close," Dion replied.
Dion closed his eyes. Mana began to circulate naturally through his body, smooth and steady.
