The chamber fell into a comfortable silence as the topic of wives and chaotic women finally faded. Adam let out a long, audible sigh of relief, his shoulders sagging slightly as the tension drained from his frame.
"Alright," he said, his voice carrying a note of renewed focus. "How will you know when it's safe? When the surface world is ready for your people?"
The Elder's weathered fingers moved to a small pouch at his belt. He withdrew a single, smooth stone, no larger than a coin, its surface etched with intricate, glowing runes. The runes pulsed with a soft, rhythmic light, like a heartbeat.
"This is a Rune Stone," the Elder said, his voice carrying a note of quiet reverence. "It is attuned to a matching stone that Azrynn will carry with her. The runes are linked—what happens to one will be reflected in the other."
Adam's brow furrowed. "So... if you crush it, she'll know?"
