The moment they drew near, the three pedestals sharpened their glow as though ancient eyes flickered awake.
Grief.
Detachment.
Serenity.
Each pedestal radiated an emotional gravity so profound that simply standing before them thickened the air. They pressed against their lungs, demanding acknowledgment.
Lucien inhaled slowly.
He remembered the scrolls they skimmed earlier... the Eternal's private notes etched in silver ink:
"Grief anchors the heart.
Detachment frees the mind.
Serenity steadies the soul.
Only in balance may Stillness breathe."
Those words burned in his thoughts.
This was no riddle.
This was a psychological crucible crafted by an Eternal who understood that Stillness was not merely silence...
It was mastery over one's inner world.
Eirene pointed toward the pedestal of Grief. Her eyes were calm but resolute.
Lucien nodded and pointed at Detachment. There was no hesitation in him.
Then came the question of Serenity.
