Alex stood at the edge of the valley, looking back one last time.
A week. Only a week had passed, but it felt like more. Like he'd left something behind in those glowing waters—maybe the exhaustion, maybe the fear, maybe just the version of himself that had been broken.
He felt good. Complete. Ready.
"Ready to go?" Emily asked, adjusting her backpack.
"Yeah," Alex said. "It's time."
Raven was already further up the path, practically bouncing with energy. The week of training had done wonders for her control—she could now summon and dismiss skeletons with a thought, without the disasters from before.
Grim (80cm form) was perched on Alex's shoulder, his tiny skull turning to take one last look at the valley.
"Pretty. Place. But. Adventure. Awaits."
"Exactly," Alex agreed.
They started walking, but hadn't gone ten steps when a voice called out.
"Bearer!"
They turned.
Guardian Yara stood at the entrance of her cabin, green robe billowing in the breeze.
