The chamber trembled. Not violently but with the poised tension of a bowstring drawn to its limit.
From the three pedestals, the radiance surged towards the three runes.
Grief.
Detachment.
Serenity.
Their lights rose like three pillars of silver flame, twisting, clashing, attempting to merge... yet refusing at first. Each emotion resisted the others like opposing winds.
Silver sparks ripped through the air.
The symbols etched along the chamber walls flickered awake like hundreds of watching eyes.
The Verdant Veil members staggered back.
One practitioner instinctively raised a defensive formation. Another grabbed his companion as the floor vibrated beneath them.
The two Celestial-realm seniors stepped forward, ready to intervene the moment the resonance turned lethal.
But Eirene did not falter in her sorrow.
Lucien held fast in his steel-cold neutrality.
Marie remained centered in her quieted joy.
Their stability spread.
The wild lights began to synchronize.
Click.
