The spring shimmered before them, a vast pool glowing with a brilliance so pure that even the air seemed to tremble under its weight.
Mist drifted upward in soft waves, each droplet infused with divine power so dense it pressed against their skin, like an invisible hand testing their resolve.
The chamber was silent but for the low hum of the spring, a living resonance that echoed in their bones.
None of them moved.
Even Grand Duchess Amana, who had stood steadfast in countless battles, lingered at the edge with narrowed eyes, as though measuring the weight of the choice before them.
Silvy clasped her hands together, caught between reverence and fear. Bruce crossed his arms, his steady composure cracked by the uncertainty in his gaze.
And Melissa, though she stood close to Kyle, clenched her fists tightly, her breath uneven.
Kyle's eyes scanned the spring, unblinking.
