They left at dawn.
The forest was quieter now.
Too quiet.
Kael walked ahead.
The flame inside him didn't warn.
It guided.
"They're waiting," he said.
Seris nodded. "Good."
The deeper voice whispered—
"This is where it begins."
Kael's eyes sharpened.
"…No," he murmured.
"This is where it changes."
And for the first time—
The voice didn't correct him.