{"A true hero is not defined by their strength, but by their ability to inspire and lead others."}
We moved down the ridge slowly, keeping our blades close and our footsteps silent. The air around the forest had shifted denser, humming with low vibrations that rattled in my chest like distant drums. The closer we got to the shimmer, the stronger the sensation became. Then the barrier pulsed once like it felt us and but before we could react, the air in front of us parted. The shimmer rippled and folded, forming a clean passage an archway of suspended light and humming glyphs that beckoned without threat.
"That's not normal," I murmured.
Rita did not lower her blade. "No. That's an invitation."
We exchanged a look and walked in. The moment we passed through, the forest changed.
