The Wolf Realm had become quiet again.
Not peaceful, just quiet.
Their hope had been stretched so thin it no longer knew how to breathe. The ancient basin sat motionless at the centre of the chamber.
Its waters reflected nothing except the vaulted ceiling overhead. The silver light from earlier had disappeared completely.
Even the witches had stopped whispering.
There was nothing left to speculate, and nothing left to test.
If another portal could be opened, none of them knew how.
Nate sat on the stone steps surrounding the basin with both elbows resting on his knees. He hadn't moved much since the last discussion.
Every few minutes his eyes drifted toward the water, then disappointment settled in his expression again.
Xander leaned against one of the massive pillars nearby.
For once, he wasn't pacing. He looked exhausted with dark circles rested beneath his eyes.
His arms remained folded tightly across his chest. He kept replaying the same question over and over again.
