Energy raced across its surface in smooth, flowing currents — layer upon layer of interwoven force, each pulse reinforcing the next with flawless, unyielding harmony.
A system.
Alive.
Absolute.
The forest reflected in it.
Twisted.
Bent.
The world itself pushed back.
Then the brilliance faded.
Not completely but it lingered — faint, steady, confident.
Unbreakable.
Cassiopeia exhaled slowly behind her, the breath controlled but heavier than before. A nearby branch creaked softly as a breeze tried — and failed — to pass through the space ahead.
"Told you. That thing isn't something you just—"
Sienna tapped it once more.
A small motion.
Barely force.
Almost careless.
The dome flared again.
Brighter.
Sharper.
