The glow beneath the garden soil did not feel dark.
It felt warm.
Alive.
The roots parted gently as light rose through them like water through glass. Blue shimmer spread across the flower beds, washing the hidden garden in a soft radiance that made every petal gleam.
Tania stepped back, her breath caught in her throat.
From the center of the earth, a sphere slowly lifted into the air.
Round.
Weightless.
Beautiful.
It was no larger than two joined hands, yet it carried the presence of something ancient and powerful. Silver threads moved inside the blue light like stars drifting through a midnight sky. A faint mist circled it, and every flower in the garden bent toward it as if greeting a queen.
Kane stared.
"What… is that?"
Scott looked equally stunned for once.
"I've never seen one appear like this."
The orb floated toward Tania.
Not fast.
Not threatening.
Almost affectionate.
Its glow softened when it reached her, hovering just above her palms.
