The deeper they walked into the forest, the more the world shifted.
The sunlight broke in fragments through layers of sapphire-hued leaves. Strange vines twisted across their path like veins beneath translucent skin. They passed glowing toadstools that swayed without wind, moss that blinked shut when stepped on, and the low guttural murmurs of beasts watching from between the trees. The air was thick with mana. Not in the way of spells or sigils, but living mana. Breathing, dreaming, hunting.
Kai's senses sharpened with each step. The forest felt like memory, like stepping back into a dream that had ended too early.
Mari followed at his side, expression unreadable beneath her focused eyes and furrowed brow.
They didn't speak much, only when they had to. The Forest of Arcane Creatures was too old and too alive for idle words.
After hours of walking, Kai stopped.
His head tilted slightly. His nostrils flared.
