The blue light swallowed them whole, and in the next breath they emerged into the grove's hidden dimension. The air shimmered with quiet magic, calm yet alive.
Before them rose the colossal tree—its silver-blue bark shimmering faintly, its roots curling like ancient rivers across the ground, its branches stretching into an endless sky that belonged only to this place.
Serelyth stilled, her sapphire eyes widening. She stepped closer, tilting her head back to take in the immensity of it.
"…It has been long since I have seen this species," she murmured, almost reverent. "Most are gone… if any even remain in the outside world. Amazing." Her pale hand brushed the air as if caressing the memory of old forests.
Behind her, Renkai crossed his arms, his gaze drifting over the familiar surroundings.
"We come here sometimes," he said with a faint smile. "When Lira works. It feels… peaceful."
