Chapter 83 - Chapter 83 – The Truth Inside the Border

The moment Elara crossed the border, everything looked the same, the forest did not change. At least at first glance. The trees were still the same trees, the ground was still wet, and the night was still closing over them. But after a few steps, Elara understood that this was only the surface. Lucien's border had not opened like a door. It was more like a hole swallowing them. The moment they entered, the sound of the outside world was left behind, and the silence inside the forest had become deeper and more conscious. This silence did not resemble the ancient silence in the temples. It was more orderly. Colder. As if every tree knew who was walking, every shadow was counting who was breathing.