Elira ventures into the frozen forest with Kael and his hunting party. When an avalanche traps a child and a soldier under fallen stone, panic erupts.
Elira kneels beside the rubble and whispers, "Please."
The ground rumbles. Stones part as if commanded. A deep, booming voice echoes:
"Strong and soft... rare for humans."
Terran, King of Earth, emerges as a titan of moss and stone. He bows slightly—to her. He offers her strength, grounding, resilience.
Kael stares, stunned. "You moved the earth."
"I asked," she replies simply. "And it listened."
Later that night, Kael confronts her.
"You're the Vessel."
She nods. No lies, no more hiding.
He doesn't ask what that means. Instead, he tells his men to double the guard and to report to him if anyone else finds out.
"You should hate me for lying," she says.
"I don't," Kael replies. "I'm just wondering when they'll come for you."