Trials [16]

"Hmm?"

Syver came to a halt, his gaze sharpening as he narrowed his eyes at something in the distance.

"What happened?" Rashira asked, her voice quiet.

She followed his line of sight, then tilted her head. "What's that?"

Syver shrugged. "Not sure… Only one way to find out."

Rashira gave a small nod, and the two moved forward together, stepping cautiously toward the slightly elevated platform at the center of the forest clearing.

As they crossed the faint shimmer of the barrier, a subtle warmth washed over them.

The tension in their shoulders eased instantly.

"A safe zone, huh?" Syver muttered, reading the faint glowing text hovering above the orb in the middle.

Rashira rolled her shoulders with a quiet groan, then yawned. "Mmm… I'm getting sleepy…"

Without warning, she reached out and grabbed Syver's hand, tugging him gently toward the stage.