Seo Jiwoo

  I followed Camus closely from behind, his broad back strode without a care for the world around him, as we were led to another section inside the castle which opened up to a different wing where sunlight filtered in through the windows, adorned with red curtains.

  Ramus and Ariem followed alongside us, Mordian beside me, as we communicated in our minds. Our connection had finally stabilised completely.

  His thoughts trailed off to me, my own trying to piece something together, as I checked the system inventory along the way, plus the shop to look for any item to heal in fastening my recovery.

  ‘How much confident are you that these springs can heal with my recovery?’ I asked Mordian, still skeptical about the proposition, but nonetheless, I didn’t have many choices.

  He cast me a side long glance as he sent back. ‘From what I remember about the hamadryades from memory, aside from their culture and history, what they were best know were for their arts of rejuvenation and healing, their abilities second to none. Their magic so intricate, working in ways that no other ash’ari can come to fathom. Their arts of healing and stitching something together to second to none.

  He explained, his words instilled confidence inside me as I breathed a sigh of relief.

  ‘And from what Camus has told me, there is special hamadryade magic cast of those springs, so the aspect of their rejuvenation must be true. But we can only see once we get there.’ His thoughts trailed off, as Ramus covered the distance alongside Ariem and they caught up on old times with Camus.

  ‘But right now, all we can do is trust the elf. Because, this isn’t a minimal problem. It affects both of us. And if I can’t get control of my mana back, I can’t make over forward with the trials.”

  My thoughts sank back as I felt my own feeling in jeopardy and uncertainty. Each time I had escaped from the clutches of death and life-threatening situations, so it was a miracle how each time I cheated my way through it all.

  But I guess, fate had finally caught up to me.

  I looked at Mordian, as if he wanted to say something and I pressed, my eyes narrowing. ‘What?’ I said, curious what he wanted to say.

  He didn’t say anything for a while as we walked through the halls and corridors, his silent stride filled me with anticipation.

  Then, just as we turned into a hall which had a chamber at the end of it, Mordian finally said.

  ‘Would it be alright to leave without saying a word to her?’ He whispered, his voice dry and stoic like always, but his underlying concern made me feel the guilt I’d been trying to suppress deep down since waking up.

  I sighed a breath as I tried to think regarding this matter.

  I knew Neil had told me to avoid Aurora, and somewhere in my heart, I also felt guilty for dragging her into my own mess. I had allowed her to tag alongside us, and put her life in danger.

  Just for my own selfish greed, I had put her life on the line. I had warned myself that her family will be worried for her wellbeing, that these adventures were far dangerous and deadlier than any normal dungeon exploration or quest.

  And I felt guilty for doing that, and if I faced her right now, I didn’t know what to do. Should I apologise? Pretend like nothing had happened? Or be relieved that she was fine.

  I knew she would be full of concern, guilt and anxiety herself, but for once I wasn’t sure what to do. After learning about who Aurora really is; how she is the princess of the elves.

  I felt these uncertain emotions fester inside my heart as I felt both concern and care for her. It was undeniably true, despite Aurora having travelled with us only for a short time, it was true that I’d started to care for her, and she was someone I was genuinely worried about.

  Perhaps not as a friend...but as something more. I didn’t know how to describe these unsure emotions, but, I think it was wrong for me to feel this way for her.

  Because, she didn’t deserve someone like me to have these feelings for her. She was kind, gentle and caring, but this care had become a weakness for me. I let it become so...

  I gave Mordian a long side glance, his golden eyes burned liquid gold as they met mine. ‘Right now, I think it’s best if I focus on my recovery. I think Aurora would understand my decision, and I don’t think I can face her right now. I know I’m being a coward for not facing her, but I feel like I need to make some distance at this point. It’s for the better.’ I sent back with clear clarity as I saw Camus push open the doors, Ramus and Ariem entered behind him as we followed suit.

  My gaze immediately turned to the inside, and I saw a portal dais sitting silently in the middle of the room. The frame remained lifeless as I saw a panel on the side, the room held on windows as a faint pulse shimmered from near the dais as Ramus walked closer and operated the artifact.

  “This thing will take us to my house in the mountains, from where we will travel on foot to the blessed springs.” Camus announced as I saw the portal frame hum with life as the space distorted, an oily film converging the space in the middle as lightning crackled with arcs flowing out.

  “You best say your goodbyes right now. I won’t be giving you any free time to come pay a visit once training starts.” He added, as he crossed his arms and looked at Ariem and Ramus, leaning against the portal frame.

  I turned to them as I bowed slightly, enough to show my genuine gratitude at what they had done for me.

  “Thank you, both of you. And I hope the next time I can come back I can clear the animosity with King Neil as well.” I spoke as I unbent and both the elders nodded at me, wry grins on their faces.

  I saw Camus walk a step forward, a mischievous smile on his face as he wrapped his hand around my shoulder.

  “Ahh, it’s a shame that you won’t be able to say goodbye to your sweetheart. But well, you may get a chance if you can gain my approval. It’s gonna be tough by the way.” Camus chortled as I pushed him away with a glare and he strode closer to the portal frame.

  “Then, we shall await your return, Jiwoo, Lord Astrionyx.” Ramus said, casting a final glance at his brother.

  I nodded back as we approached the portal frame, and without another thought, we entered through the distorted space, Camus was the first to enter, than I, and right behind me Mordian, we were lunged through space as I saw the colours around the peripheral area of my eyes twist and distort as the clusters of light splattered around me like ink as I felt the shift pull us along.

  ***

  Aurora Silverlight

  I walked in my room with heavy steps, my mind clouded with thoughts that refused to settle as I bit the nail of my thumb in frustration. My feet moved in circles; my body restless as I recalled my conversation with Father a few days ago, it still felt fresh.

  He had been furious—his anger sharp, burning—but beneath it all, I knew there was relief. A deep, undeniable relief that I had returned, albeit unconscious and battered from our last adventure. He had been worried. Despite all his sternness, I could see it in his eyes. That very same worry gnawed at my heart now, refusing to let go.

  It was his care at time had worked as a shackle for me, but I couldn’t deny the fact that he dotted on me.

  My gaze swept across my room, lavish yet simple, just the way I liked it. Everything was in its place, untouched, unmoved since the last few months I’d been missing. Yet, despite its familiarity, I felt uneasy, restless as anxiety bubbled inside my heart.

  My thoughts inevitably drifted back to Shun. Had he finally woken up? He had shown no signs of consciousness since he arrived here, his condition wavering at times.

  Ever since I’d woken up, the first thing I remembered was begging grandpa to take me to Shun. I rushed through the halls despite only recovery barely, my feet wobbling like jelly, but when I saw his battered form, his severed arm which refused to heal at times, the severity of his condition, and later finding out that he had sustained damage to his mana channels, I couldn’t help but feel more guilty.

  This had happened to Shun, because he decided to protect me in that void. If he hadn’t tried to protect me, he wouldn’t have been dealt such damage.

  I didn’t know how to look at Shun, how to tell him I was sorry...I was afraid that he might come to hate me—I knew he wouldn’t, but I was afraid, and since only looking at his unconscious visage for the past few days, I felt this deep yearning growing inside my heart.

  Grandma Ariem had promised me she would do everything to try to heal Shun, but things seemed far more complicated than I had come to initially know.

  She had told me that she would call for Grandpa Camus’s help.

  I turned to face the mirror, catching my own reflection—sullen eyes, lips pressed together, worry written all over my face. I barely recognized myself. But more than that, the expression reminded me of what he had done in that void over and over again, how he had thrown himself into harm’s way to shield me without hesitation. That moment haunted me. It left me in a turmoil of emotions I couldn’t quite name.

  I sighed, turning toward the door, hoping—no, wishing desperately—that he might walk through it at any moment, whole and safe.

  I wanted to see him, to hear his voice, to make sure with my own eyes that he was truly fine. Until then, I doubted I could put my heart at ease. Perhaps this unsettled feeling stemmed from something more than just worry that I’d come to first feel. Perhaps it was because I had come to care for him in a way I hadn’t realized until now.

  When had these feelings taken root? This quiet yet persistent affection that curled around my heart whenever I thought of him? Love—it was such a strange thing. Could it even be described at the moment it first appeared? Or did it simply happen, creeping in unnoticed until one day, you realized it had already settled deep within you? Knowing you couldn’t seem to think anything beside that one special person? Maybe that was what Shun had done to me. His unwavering strength, his kindness, his frustrating recklessness and his cute awkwardness at times—it had all grown on me, and now I couldn’t imagine a world without him.

  A thin smile tugged at my lips as I shook my head, feeling my cheeks warm. A foolish reaction. “No, Aurora. You’re a princess. You can’t be seen with such an unsightly expression,” I murmured, attempting to regain composure.

  Just then, the door to my room creaked open, pulling me from my thoughts.

  Grandmother Ariem stepped inside, her movements graceful, her presence warm like a veil of reassurance. She carried herself with the same noble elegance she always did, yet her eyes held a knowing glint as she looked at me with a gentle smile. At once, I moved toward her, wrapping my arms around her in greeting.

  She chuckled, patting my back with that familiar comforting touch as she tousled her fingers through my hair brushing my bangs back and giving me a peck on my forehead.

  “Grandma, how’s Shun? Is he alright? Did he wake up?” My words spilled out in a rush the moment I looked at her; my impatience evident even to myself.

  She leaned back, shaking her head with a mischievous grin. “Give me a moment to sit, child. I’ll tell you right away.”

  I released her reluctantly, following her to the sofa at the foot of my bed. Every second felt unbearably slow as I watched her settle in, her movements deliberate, as if she enjoyed drawing out my anticipation. And then, finally, her smile widened.

  “Yes, child. He is awake now.”

  The weight on my chest lifted instantly, my breath releasing in a relieved sigh. But before I could celebrate, she continued.

  “Rather, he had quite the reaction the moment I saw him lying in his bed, awake. But…” Grandmother said, her eyes narrowing, face straitening.

  I stiffened, my brow furrowing in confusion.

  “But, he and Lord Astrionyx, along with Camus, have already left for the Blessed Springs. It may be a while before they return—well, that will depend on how Jiwoo fares in his recovery under Camus’s tutelage.”

  Stolen novel; please report.

  My heart sank as if the floor beneath me had been stripped away. My fingers curled against my lap as frustration flared within me. “Why didn’t you call me? Why did you let him go so easily?” My voice rose in frustration, edged with an anger I hadn’t realized I was holding onto.

  Grandmother’s expression softened with apology. “I’m sorry, child.”

  I sat back, my shoulders slumping. But no matter how much I tried to suppress it, an ache grew in my chest, and before I knew it, a tear slipped down my cheek. My mouth quivered, and I couldn’t find my voice.

  “I wanted to apologize to him…” My voice was barely a whisper, trembling with the emotions I had held back for days. “I wanted him to know that he doesn’t need to feel guilty for what happened. It was my fault. I knew that I’d been the one to tag along with them. I wanted to…”

  My breathing grew uneven, my hands clenching into fists. Before I could fall apart any further in my self-deprecation, grandmother pulled me into her embrace, her action steadying me like a blanket full of warmth which wrapped around me gently yet firmly.

  “I know, child. I know how you must feel. But Jiwoo’s recovery comes first. I think, even he needs some time to himself, to figure out and fight his own conflicts. And you don’t need to be like this, dear. It’s not like he will never come back. It may take some time, but he will definitely return. He has to. Because, the amount of concern he has for you is adorable.”

  Her words were gentle, soothing, as if threading my scattered emotions back together and I felt the weight of her last words heavy on my chest, reminding me once again, just how I saw Shun, catching her sarcasm at the end. I wiped my tears quickly, inhaling deeply to compose myself.

  “How did Father handle things?” I asked after a moment. “He wasn’t too harsh on him, was he? He may have the right to be angry at me, but Shun didn’t do anything wrong.” I dreaded the answer, already knowing how Father could be.

  Perhaps, it had played out just as I had thought it had.

  Grandmother’s expression shifted, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Both of them were at each other’s throats like some ill-fated enemies. And I think Jiwoo was the one looking down at Neil. And he did all that while being in a wheelchair.” She chuckled as if remembering how father had acted. “He really is suicidal—daring to talk back to a king while still recovering from his wounds. I suppose that’s why you like him so much. For his bold recklessness. I didn’t know you had grown to like bad boys.”

  I gasped, my face heating instantly on her remark. “I-I never said—”

  “Child,” Grandmother interrupted with a knowing smirk, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “I didn’t live this long being ignorant. And I am your grandmother. How do you think I made your grandfather fall for me? He, the unamused strategist, the prodigy of the Silverlight family. You are still quite naive, Aurora dear.”

  I buried my face in my hands, groaning in embarrassment as she laughed. But despite my flustered state, I couldn’t help the small, reluctant smile tugging at my lips.

  Because despite everything, despite the uncertainty, one thing remained clear—Jiwoo would return. And when he did, I would be waiting.

  “So, he’s now gone to the blessed springs, uhh...” I said, trying to picture the mountain area I’d seen only a handful of times. “He’s lucky even, to have Grandpa Camus as a mentor now and being given the chance to visit the blessed springs. Grandpa Camus didn’t even take me as his disciple when I begged him relentlessly, after Beatrix, he didn’t take any other students.”

  “Yes, it was quite something for him to accept this request. I think the old fool was just bored after staying alone for too long in the mountain area of the blessed springs.” She replied, her words laced with mock tone. “But well, he only does things on the spur of the moment, or according to his feelings or mood. I think he was amused after hearing about Jiwoo’s condition. You know, how Camus gets when he is excited.” She added with a grin which reached her eyes as I clearly sensed the sarcasm in her tone.

  “But, anyway, Aurora tonight we are having a family dinner with everyone. Be sure to wear something pretty, okay?” Grandmother said with a smile and I nodded mirroring her expression. “It’s been a while since you came back, so your father festered the head chef himself to cook a big feast.”

  I chuckled on her words as I imagined father throwing orders around in the kitchen.

  Suddenly looking at me, Grandmother pulled me into a warm hug as I leaned against her bosom, feeling her soothing warmth, and felt like I’d finally come home as I took a breath of relief.

  “I’m glad you’re back home, safe and sound. I was scared to death when I heard you had participated in the war in the orcen world. But you did good, child. You did your best. I’m proud of you Aurora, you truly are the pride of the Silverlight family.”

  Every word filled my chest with pride as I looked at Grandmother and she gave me a toothy grin and I returned, feeling as if I’d returned to being the child I used to be who wouldn’t leave her side no matter what.

  ***

  Seo Jiwoo

  The world around us shifted in an instant, colours ran dark like on a canvas as we exited on to the other side.

  The moment I left the portal, I saw myself standing on a cliff, I turned to look at Mordian as we both decided to walk closer to Camus, and the first thing that caught my eyes was a sea of tall trees, nature so thick that it drowned the land below with canopies and greenery.

  My eyes went to a small wooden house by the side of the stack of trees. The house looked adequate from the outside, enough for a single person to live in the forest, hidden well with the trees around it, working as good camouflage.

  I walked closer to Camus who stood at the edge of the mountain’s jagged cliff, the wind tousling my hair as my gaze swept over the vast expanse before me. The forest, a sea of ancient trees, stretched endlessly to the horizon, a sprawling kingdom of living green. The golden light of the afternoon sun batted us in its warm light as I saw the twinkling of several flowers and trees below which shimmered faintly with life.

  “So, this is where the blessed springs are?” I said, unrushed as I moved my gaze across the thick forest below.

  Camus gave me a side glance as he shared the view with me, looking at the green canopies as if it were his backyard. “Sort of. But the blessed springs are located deep, in a well hidden place on these mountains. Ramus and I are the only two people alive who know where the blessed springs are. Well due to its rejuvenation and extreme potency, it kind of transformed the entirety of the land into an even richer environment, which became so dense with mana that many mana beasts made it their habitat over time, making it a place crawling with creatures left and right.”

  “And fun fact, kid. This entire forest where the blessed springs are is as big as a small country, and I know it all like the back of my hand. So, it’s quite fascinating when you get to explore.”

  “I see.” I nodded as I saw Camus take a step back, and pick up the compass from the ground which had connected to the portal dais, as he turned to us both and continued.

  “Well, I would’ve offered you both tea and some snacks if we had time, but it’s seem making you recover should be kept our first priority.”

  Camus remarked with his trademark grin as he gestured us to follow him from behind. He took us to the right, a steep path leading down to the forest, as we slowly descended, each step was a challenge for me, as my muscles still felt sore and with almost no mana reinforcing them, I felt quite weak.

  “I’ve heard a lot about you from Aurora.” Camus suddenly said, his back facing me as we continued below the steep path. “Most of her blabbering was just her fanning all over you. How you saved her—making her heart skip a beat or two like a damsel—, your life-threatening adventures together. Kid, I think you have a tough path ahead already, I mean, if you do end up marrying her, your first obstacle will be Neil—aka, your future father-in-law. He’s a tough nut to crack.”

  Camus’s grin seem to widen with each word, and I hoped he would trip over his feet as he descended, as I shook my head, barely holding back the urge to kick him from behind as my shouldered sank in anger.

  “I don’t have a reason to entertain your perverse ideas. And, Aurora...” I paused for a moment, feeling unsure what to say, or perhaps, how to say it. “She is my precious companion, and even if she sees me in that way, it’s merely recognition and care for a friend I’m sure.”

  I saw Mordain step forward, passing us both as he took the lead, giving us some space to talk, as we followed a man made path into the forest.

  “Why so?” Camus asked, a brow raised amusingly as he looked above his shoulder.

  I took a breath, readying myself to speak. “Because, amidst all of my responsibilities, I don’t want to give half hope by promising her something I cannot give her—and that only is if she really has such feelings for me.”

  Camus turned, a scoffing laugh left his lips as he stated. “Kid, that’s just you making excuses to self-validate something which you think might become a burden. Love isn’t that hard, it’s actually quite simple, and when you realise and accept that, it becomes a lot easier for both parties.” He said, like some philosopher in love as we finally reached the forest below.

  I thought over his words for the next few minutes, unsure of what I felt for Aurora was concern as a friend or as someone more. I wasn’t sure.

  But I wasn’t blind either. I saw the way Aurora looked at me. The softness in her gaze, the quiet patience in her presence, the warmth that seeped into the spaces I didn’t realize had grown cold, how her actions had become more intimate over time that I’d only realized after pondering over them now.

  I think I knew, knew about her feelings and how she saw me.

  But every time I did, a shadow loomed over me—Rachael’s shadow.

  The woman I loved. The only one I ever loved. In my past life, in this second chance at life. No matter how much time had passed, no matter how many battles I fought, that truth had never changed.

  And yet… here I was, feeling something I shouldn’t.

  What did that make me?

  Was I betraying her?

  She wasn’t here anymore. But I still loved her. And if I still loved her, how could I ever justify letting someone else into the space that belonged to her?

  Aurora deserved better.

  She deserved someone who could love her fully, without hesitation. Someone who wouldn’t carry the weight of a past that kept dragging him back.

  And yet, despite everything—despite the guilt clawing at my chest—I didn’t want to push her away.

  I didn’t know what to do.

  I just knew that no matter what I chose, I’d end up hurting someone.

  Even if that someone was myself.

  Perhaps, I was afraid, that what if I did accept these unsure emotions and I failed, like I did with Rachael in the past.

  I’d lost her, like sand slipping away from the gaps of my fingers. I’d thought she’d stay with me forever, wait for me forever, but my own foolishness once again showed me just how wrong I was.

  And, I still couldn’t forget about Rachael even after two lifetimes.

  “But, how did you meet her anyway?” Camus chimmed in, as if bored. “ She did tell me quite a lot about you, but let’s to know each other better on our own, ‘cause you’re stuck with me for the next few months.”

  I shrugged away his remark, as I thought back on when I’d met Aurora for the first time. How she had saved me, starting it all.

  A thin smile tugged at my lips as I answered. “The first I met her was when I was exploring a dungeon in a country named Japan, back in my world. It was around the time she was still using her alias as Neil—I was quite surprised to know that she was using her own father’s name as an alias.” I spoke, remembering everything I could recall about our interactions.

  “I was in quite a tough spot when she suddenly appeared out of nowhere and saved me. Back then, I was quite wary of her, but I think after getting to know each other better, we got along pretty well. But that artifact of hers did make things difficult and caused misunderstandings. I always wondered who gave her that artifact?”

  “Hahaha, did it?” Camus laughed, as he brushed a few leaves in front of him a[￠ Mordian nimbly and swiftly ventured deeper. “Well, I was the one who gave her that as a birthday present. It was something I took from the hamadryades a long time ago, I didn’t feel a need for it, so I gave it to her, knowing she used to sneak out of the castle, so she used it to hide her true features and blend in without getting caught.”

  I deadpanned, looking at him as I avoided a root of a tree sticking out from the ground.

  “Well, your gift did cause some trouble between us.” I returned as I continued walking along them.

  After a few more minutes of walking, I asked. “How far in the mountains are these blessed springs?” Frustration bubbling at the back of my tongue.

  “From the cottage where I live, it’s a ten mile walk. And you can’t fly because like I mentioned earlier, the mana beast in this particular region her quite keen to its presence.” Camus said innocently, his grin grated over my nerves, and I could barely hold back the urge to punch him.

  “How far are we along?” I said, gritting the anger down.

  “Maybe only a mile.” He returned back, as I shared a glance with Mordian who remained quiet.

  “But, stay close to me. After another miles, this path I created ends, so, don’t stray off, or you might get attacked. And especially you, you might become the dinner of some random mana beast.” He said pointing at me, and I felt the muscles around my arm tighten.

  Afterward, we quietly travelled on foot, along the way, I saw many fascinating plants, flowers which glowed and many different types of mana beasts I’d never seen before, as we stealthy made our way deeper into the forest. Soon after reaching deep enough, I saw a shallow mist rising from our feet which grew more potent.

  The mist clung to the forest like a second skin, wrapping the world in a veil of silver that seemed alive, shifting and swirling with every step I took. Visibility started to become terrible—barely a few feet ahead—and the silence was heavy, broken only by the distant sound of trickling water or the rattling of bushes. It felt like the forest itself was holding its breath, watching.

  The haze reminded me of my time in the thalassalithions’ world, that endless grey expanse where I’d been left trapped for hours, looking for a way out. But there, the mist had been suffocating, oppressive. Here, it was different. It shimmered faintly, like each droplet carried a spark of starlight, weaving an atmosphere that was both eerie and mesmerizing.

  The mana around me grew more potent as we approached. Even with my channels damaged, I could still somehow the potency of the energy around me.

  “Careful where you step,” Camus’s voice cut through the quiet, his tone as nonchalant as ever. “It’d be a shame if you tripped and broke your neck before seeing the springs. I’d laugh, of course, but only after mourning your loss.”

  I rolled my eyes but kept my focus on the ground. The earth beneath my boots was soft, damp, and glittered faintly as if someone had scattered crushed gemstones across the mud. It was surreal—sparkling without any source of light to justify it. Small patches of glowing moss clung to the gnarled roots of ancient trees, their teal glow piercing through the fog and casting ghostly streaks of light through the mist. The sight was stunning, magical, and just a bit too perfect, like it belonged in one of the novels I used to read.

  As we pressed forward, the mist began to thin, replaced by an even more vibrant glow. A teal light pulsed ahead of us, steady and alive, like the heartbeat of the earth itself. It seemed to call to me, tugging at something deep within my chest.

  “Almost there,” Camus said, his voice suddenly quieter, reverent even. “Try to keep up. I’d hate for you to get lost.”

  The glow led us to the mouth of a cave, carved into the earth like an invitation—or a warning. I followed behind Camus with Mordian by my side. The walls were slick with moisture and draped with that same glowing moss, but here it was denser, brighter, almost blinding. The light seemed to pulse in time with the faint trickle of water echoing from deep within.

  I stepped inside cautiously, my boots sinking slightly into the mud. The ground here shimmered even more, as though every speck of dirt was laced with tiny, twinkling crystals. The air was damp but not unpleasant, carrying a faint, sweet scent that I couldn’t place.

  And finally the springs revealed themselves to us. The springs stretched on into the inside of the cave, the water looked almost alive, pulsing with an otherworldly glow, faint yet rhythmic pulses of teal light which seem to rejuvenate the air itself.

  So this was hamadryade magic.

  Camus turned back to me, his expression unreadable in the dim light. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” He gestured at the glowing walls. “The Blessed Springs—where even the mud sparkles for your entertainment. Don’t let the beauty fool you, though. This place isn’t here to impress; let’s hope you can recover faster than what I have in mind.”

  I didn’t answer, too caught up in the surreal beauty of the place, Mordian seemed unmoved, but only curious as he looked at the dim light emanating from the giant pond below. The light, the moss, the sparkling mud—it all felt exaggerated, impossibly magical. But beneath it all, there was a sense of weight, of something ancient and complex.

  “Ready?” Camus asked, his voice echoing softly in the cavern. “Because once we start, there’s no turning back. Well, unless you want to implode sooner rather than later.”

  I nodded, even though I wasn’t sure I was ready for whatever lay ahead. But I knew this, that I couldn’t let this chance go from in front of me.