The veiled elf stood silent for a moment, still holding the vines that bound the disgraced elf.
Her expression remained unreadable behind the fine silk covering her face.
"Please," she said softly, gesturing with a graceful motion. "Follow me. The Guardian awaits."
Alex nodded, stepping forward with the others close behind.
They began ascending a winding path that curled around the roots of the world tree like a serpent's coil.
Ethereal lights danced along the bark, casting shadows in hues of blue and gold.
But curiosity stirred within Alex as he observed the elf.
He tilted his head slightly. "Why the veil?"
The question, innocent as it was, caused the group to glance at her in collective curiosity.
Even Seraphyra tilted her head with a puzzled blink.
The elf paused mid-step, turning her head just enough to glance back. Her amber eyes flicked over each of their faces, pausing a moment too long on Ann and Alice before she sighed.
