The preparations took less than an hour.
The bears worked with efficient purpose—clearing a ritual space at the center of the clearing, arranging stones in a perfect circle, building up the central fire until it roared with intensity.
Someone brought out ceremonial drums. Someone else lit sacred incense that smelled like pine and something sharper, more ancient.
Alex sat on a carved stone bench with Naga and Leo flanking him, watching the activity with growing dread.
[Okay, okay, let me think. EMERGENCY STRATEGY SESSION!]
[Truth water forces honesty BUT—and this is important—it doesn't force you to answer questions you're not asked. It also doesn't make you VOLUNTEER information. So the key is:]
[ 1. Answer ONLY what's directly asked
2. Use precise language—technically true statements
3. Don't elaborate unless forced
4. Remember: Amber doesn't know what questions to ask about Earth, the system, dimensional travel, etc. She's fishing blind. ]
