The night had passed quietly over the lake, though Lira's sleep was restless, filled with half-formed visions of shimmering waters and distant, ethereal voices. Serelyth had remained awake, coiled protectively around her in human form, golden eyes scanning the subtle movements of the water and trees. The moon cast silver trails across the surface, illuminating tiny ripples that seemed almost deliberate, like a current of magic moving beneath the lake.
When dawn broke, the world seemed to exhale, painting the waters in soft shades of sapphire and silver. Lira rose slowly, stretching her arms, feeling the cool morning air kiss her skin. Serelyth followed, standing beside her now fully awake, her presence calm yet commanding.
"You have been thinking," Serelyth said softly, her voice carrying the weight of experience, yet tinged with gentle curiosity. "About the depths. About the potion. About what lies beneath."
