The descent had already begun.
Max, Neros, Seraphine, and Dorian moved through the interior of the giant tree, descending a long staircase of damp stone that seemed endless.
The air was cool, and the atmosphere silent. Filled with that distinct scent of old wood, wet earth, and something… ancient. Very ancient.
Only their footsteps could be heard. And the faint echo they created as it vanished into the depths.
Seraphine looked ahead. Then to the sides. Darkness. Almost absolute.
"Do you need me to cast a light spell?" she asked, slightly raising one hand. "I can illuminate the path."
Dorian shook his head calmly.
"No need."
He raised both hands. And clapped against the walls.
Clap. Clap.
Silence, for a few seconds.
And then, tiny points began to light up.
One.
Two.
Five.
Ten.
Hundreds.
Thousands.
