The clearing shook violently.
Dust fell from the Heartwood’s branches.
Another crack spread across its glowing trunk.
The spirits stepped back in fear.
Even the Keeper didn’t move.
It simply stared at the tree.
“No…” it whispered.
“It’s too early.”
A loud rumble echoed beneath the ground.
The roots around Elara’s feet suddenly pulled away.
The crystal in her hand glowed brighter than ever before.
Then…
Everything went quiet.
Too quiet.
No wind.
No voices.
Nothing.
A deep voice echoed from beneath the Heartwood.
“Who carries my key?”
Elara looked around.
“Did…
did everyone hear that?”
Noah nodded.
“I definitely heard it.”
The voice came again.
Stronger this time.
“Bring the Chosen to me.”
The ground split open.
A narrow staircase slowly rose from beneath the Heartwood.
Each step was carved from black stone.
Golden symbols glowed along the edges.
The staircase disappeared into complete darkness.
No end could be seen.
Lily stepped back.
“It wasn’t supposed to open.”
Adrian looked shocked.
“I’ve searched this place for twenty years…”
“I never knew this existed.”
The Keeper closed its eyes.
“Because it only opens for the Chosen.”
Noah looked at Elara.
“Please tell me we’re not going down there.”
Before she could answer…
The crystal floated out of her hands.
It drifted toward the staircase.
Waiting.
“It wants us to follow,” Elara whispered.
“It wants you,” the Keeper corrected.
“No one else.”
“No.”
Noah stepped beside her.
“If she’s going…”
“I’m going.”
The Keeper slowly shook its head.
“If he enters…”
“He may never return.”
Noah forced a smile.
“I wasn’t planning on leaving her.”
Elara looked at him.
“You don’t have to do this.”
“I know.”
“But I’m still coming.”
For the first time since entering the forest…
Elara smiled.
“Thank you.”
Just as they stepped toward the staircase—
A woman’s voice echoed through the clearing.
“Elara!”
Everyone turned.
Standing at the edge of the clearing…
Was her mother.
Evelyn Hart.
She looked exhausted.
Her clothes were soaked from the rain.
Her breathing was uneven.
But she was there.
“Mum?”
Elara could hardly believe it.
She ran toward her.
Before she could reach her…
The Keeper raised one hand.
“Stop.”
Elara froze.
“What?”
The Keeper’s glowing eyes never left Evelyn.
“Something isn’t right.”
Evelyn looked at the Keeper.
“I don’t have time for this.” This chapter was copied from g.com without permission.
She turned back to Elara.
“We have to leave.”
“Now.”
Elara frowned.
“You know this place?”
Her mother looked away.
“Yes.”
“You’ve been here before.”
A long silence followed.
Finally…
She nodded.
“I promised you’d never find out.”
The crystal suddenly flashed.
A beam of golden light shot toward Evelyn.
For a second…
Her shadow didn’t match her movements.
Noah’s face turned pale.
“Elara…”
“Look.”
Everyone stared.
Evelyn’s shadow slowly smiled.
But Evelyn didn’t.
The smile disappeared as quickly as it came.
“What was that?” Noah whispered.
The Keeper took one step forward.
Its voice became colder than before.
“Who are you?”
Evelyn’s expression changed.
She smiled.
But this time…
It wasn’t her smile.
“I was wondering how long it would take you to notice.”
The air turned icy.
The spirits vanished.
The Heartwood’s light flickered.
And before anyone could react…
Evelyn’s eyes turned completely black.
She looked at Elara.
Then quietly said—
“He’s awake.”
The staircase beneath the Heartwood began to glow blood-red.
Something…
Was climbing up.