Chapter 1349

The clearing was circular and massive, ringed by towering trunks and wrapped in light that seemed to bend and flow like water. At the center stood a tall pillar of stone - smooth, pale, and humming gently. Etched across its surface were familiar shapes: spirals, eyes, interlocking triangles, the twelve runes that had marked their journey… and one new one at the very top. A symbol none of them had seen before.

A flame.

Natalie stepped closer, her voice awed. "This is the heart."

Scarlet inhaled deeply. "It's where the first ones sang."

Susan's hand slid into Jude's. "And now we do."

The moment they stepped into the circle, the air shifted. Thickened. The light dimmed and then returned brighter, warmer, soaking into their skin. The stone pillar pulsed like a drumbeat, slow and powerful. And then, the wind rose - not loud, but musical. A note. A tone.

It was the same melody they'd heard in the cave, by the tree, in their dreams.