---
The forest had changed.
Sieris moved through the undergrowth like a wraith—no footsteps, no breath, no sound. Trees once dense and hostile now bowed as if in reverence to some unseen sovereign. Spirit wisps drifted lazily in the twilight, ignoring her presence, though once they might have attacked.
She kept her blades sheathed, but her eyes never stopped moving.
*"This place feels... alive now. And heavier."*
The memories of the last expedition flickered in her mind: Lumi's rage, Elira's cold calm, the overwhelming presence of the dragon above it all. She hadn't stayed to see the outcome. Assassins don't belong in tales of destiny and glory.
And yet... she returned.
*Because something calls me back.*
She reached into her cloak and pulled out a worn token—a small, circular disc etched with unfamiliar symbols. It pulsed faintly.
*Still warm. Just like the night it started.*
---
Far above, in a hollow chiseled between branches thicker than towers, Yuki stirred.
"Sieris?" he murmured, feeling the disturbance in the forest.
Sylvaeria blinked beside him, frowning slightly. "You remember her?"
"She never once looked at me with awe or fear. Only calculation."
"And now she's back."
"Yes. Alone." His wings curled slightly. "That can only mean one thing—she's here on her own mission."
Sylvaeria crossed her arms. "And you're going to just let her wander your territory?"
Yuki gave a low, thoughtful hum. "Let's see what she's searching for… before we decide if she's an enemy."
---
Back below, Sieris paused before a carved archway—half-covered in vines, but unmistakably artificial.
*This wasn't here before.*
She crouched beside it, placing the token against the stone. The vines retracted instantly, revealing a stairwell descending into darkness.
Her expression didn't change.
Just a subtle exhale. "Found you."
And without hesitation, she vanished into the depths.
---