The road to Hollowthroat wound through the Vale of Roots—a twisted forest where even light bent strangely.
Kael and Eira walked cautiously, torches flickering. Ashenfang was uneasy.
After days of travel, the trees parted to reveal a hidden city beneath the cliffs—built into the stone, lit by thousands of flickering lanterns.
The market buzzed with energy. Stalls sold bottled dreams, cursed maps, and even time fragments.
Kael found the black caravan again, now in a corner surrounded by runes.
The merchant bowed. "Ah, you came."
Kael held up the crystal. "Tell me what this is."
The man's eyes glinted. "Not what… who."