The hidden camp was little more than a clearing with a lean-to and a cold fire pit.
Kael had known it was here — one of the few places he'd used when he was younger, running from his father.
They arrived just before dawn — sky gray, light filtering through the canopy like mist.
Miko collapsed against a tree — exhausted, body aching.
Kael built a small fire — shadows coaxing sparks from damp wood.
They ate — more rations.
Silent.
Then Kael spoke.
"We can't keep running blind."
Miko looked at him.
"What's the alternative?"
Kael stared at the flames.
"We find out who's feeding the seal. We stop them."
Miko laughed — weak.
"How?"
Kael met her eyes.
"We go to the source."
Miko stared.
"The rift scar?"
"No. The original rift. The one that started everything."
Miko swallowed.
"That's suicide."
Kael's voice was quiet.
"So is waiting."
Miko looked at the fire.
The seal pulsed — once, curious.
She pressed her hand over it.
"Okay."
Kael nodded.
"We rest here today. Move at night."
Miko leaned back against the tree.
Closed her eyes.
The seal whispered — soft.
Soon.
She ignored it.
Sleep came — fitful, dreamless.
When she woke — Kael was gone.
Panic hit.
She stood.
The fire was low.
Shadows moved at the edge of the clearing.
Kael stepped out.
Behind him — three figures.
Cloaked. Hooded.
One pulled back her hood.
A woman — mid-thirties, short dark hair, eyes sharp as blades.
She looked at Miko.
"You must be the bearer."
Miko tensed.
Kael spoke.
"They're not academy."
The woman smiled — thin.
"We're not."
She stepped forward.
"I'm Elara. We've been watching you."
Miko looked at Kael.
He nodded — barely.
Elara continued.
"The seal is waking. We felt it. We're not here to take it. We're here to help you control it."
Miko stared.
"Why?"
Elara's voice was quiet.
"Because we lost someone to it once. And we don't want to lose anyone else."
She looked at Miko.
"Will you trust us?"
Miko looked at Kael.
He met her eyes.
Then nodded — once.
Miko looked back at Elara.
"I don't trust anyone."
Elara smiled.
"Good. Trust has to be earned."
She extended a hand.
Miko hesitated.
Then took it.
The seal pulsed — once, curious.
Elara squeezed her hand.
"Then let's begin."
To be continued…