Kael crossed the mountain road in only a few movements, but slowed down as soon as the Tower of Aster appeared between the two peaks. The structure had lost half of its upper section, and what remained leaned against the mountain, held in place by ancient columns and walls too thick to have collapsed completely. There were no lights in the windows, guards at the entrances, or any visible movement outside. Only the dark column rising behind the tower and the constant vibration in the ground, growing stronger as he approached.
Umbra appeared beside him when he stopped behind a block of stone.
"It is too quiet."
"They are waiting."
"For you."
Kael looked at his marked arm. The red lines had already reached part of his chest, although Sylphie's containment still prevented them from sinking deeper. The presence of the Well pulled the mark toward the tower as though an invisible thread connected it to the center of his mana. He felt the call, but also noticed something important.
