From the cracks between the wooden floorboards, three thin vines slowly emerged. They were nothing like the violent, greedy golden vines from the Tomb that had devoured the High Cardinal.
Instead, they were tender green vines with a gentle glow, each tipped with tiny golden leaves.
They gently wrapped around Sophie's wrist and the edge of the bed, almost as if they possessed consciousness. Their leaves trembled softly, as though they were comforting her anxiety.
Sophie stared blankly at them.
...They were comforting her.
She hesitated before reaching out with her other hand and gently touching one of the vines.
The vine immediately curled around her finger like a small animal seeking affection. Warmth and vitality flowed from her fingertips into her body, gradually calming her trembling.
Tears welled up in her eyes again, but this time, they were not born of fear.
"They're... mine," Sophie whispered. "They're not just power... they're alive. They're protecting me."
