Lucy stepped forward first, her steps soundless on the glowing plane. Her fingers brushed the trunk, and the tree responded with a soft pulse of light, like it recognized her touch. She turned, eyes wide, lips parted in awe. "It knows us."
Emma followed her, placing her hand beside Lucy's. The tree flared again, and this time its branches stretched upward, parting the golden sky above them, revealing constellations not yet born. "It's… listening."
Jude stepped forward, reaching out, and when his skin met the bark, the entire tree lit up. A wave of energy rolled down its trunk, through the roots, and into the ground beneath them. The others gasped as the pulse spread through them too - filling them with warmth, fire, and something impossibly deep.