Chapter 1648

A hum rose from the trees. Flowers bloomed instantly, vines twisting around trunks in spiraled paths. The moss beneath their feet grew thicker, warmer, and in the distance, the air itself rippled - like the veil between now and something greater had thinned.

Then, without a word, the river parted.

Not dried.

Not empty.

Just moved aside - revealing a glowing path of stone beneath.

They gasped.

The stones shimmered, leading into a grove none of them had noticed before. The air that flowed from it was warm, fragrant with jasmine, honey, and something wilder. Older.

"Follow it," Spira whispered. "Together."

And they did.