The word remained in John's mind long after the glow disappeared.
**Descendant.**
He stood completely still.
The valley had returned to normal.
The wind moved through the trees.
The campfire crackled behind him.
Somewhere in the distance, the river continued flowing as if nothing had happened.
But John couldn't simply pretend nothing had happened.
Lythriel was still beside him, staring at the temple.
"Did you hear that?"
John nodded.
"Yes."
"It called you a descendant."
"I heard."
She looked at him.
"Descendant of what?"
John slowly shook his head.
"I don't know."
That was the truth.
For once, he didn't even have a theory.
---
Darius arrived a few moments later.
He had apparently noticed the disturbance from the researchers' camp.
"What happened?"
Lythriel pointed toward the temple.
"It spoke again."
Darius's expression immediately became serious.
"What did it say?"
John hesitated.
Then answered.
"Descendant."
Darius froze.
"Just that?"
"Just that."
