The chamber was silent—eerily so. Not even the usual buzz of mana or whisper of the forest wind echoed within its walls. It was as if time itself refused to trespass into the sanctum that hid Lila.
The space was lit only by the faint glow of ancient runes etched into the walls. These sigils pulsed gently, their silver-blue light dancing across the stone and casting long shadows that reached toward Lila where she sat—knees drawn to her chest, arms wrapped around them, and her head resting against the stone behind her.
Her once hazelnut hair now shimmered in full hues of light blue, glowing ever so faintly in the chamber's ambient light. It had been a full day since Neana had led her here and sealed the place off. Lila had been silent ever since—physically, emotionally, spiritually.
Until now.
