Dawn in Villa Hinoki always arrived accompanied by the sound of wood creaking as it warmed under the sun.

  Hito walked along the path back to the village with Moki at his side. The small creature sniffed the damp air, stopping every so often to observe glowing insects floating near the ground.

  The compass remained still in Hito’s pocket, as if it too were resting.

  From the hill, the village looked the same as always.

  But something didn’t feel the same.

  The river that bordered Villa Hinoki was covered in a thick mist, denser than usual. It did not move with the wind. It hovered above the water like a motionless veil.

  And the murmur of the water was weaker.

  —That’s not normal —said a voice behind him.

  Hito turned.

  A young man with dark hair, travel-worn clothes, and a small cloth bag slung over his shoulder was watching the river closely. His eyes were calm, as if listening to something that couldn’t be seen.

  —My name is Shinso —he said—. I’ve been following the flow of Lúmina from the valley.

  At his side, a translucent figure slowly emerged from the mist.

  It resembled a slender otter made of clear water. Its soft fins moved as if it were swimming through the air, and within its body glowed a faint blue light.

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Its pupil-less white eyes reflected the surface of the river.

  —Soru —Shinso said gently.

  The Elyr emitted a liquid, almost musical sound.

  Moki responded with a small, curious chirp.

  The Elyr recognized each other immediately.

  —The river’s Lúmina is heavy —Shinso explained—. Something is forcing it to stay still.

  The mist began to move slowly, forming whirlpools above the water.

  Soru floated forward to the river’s edge and placed its fins on the surface. A blue light spread outward in soft circles.

  For a moment, the water cleared.

  But then the river trembled.

  From the center of the mist, a larger silhouette emerged, formed by dense vapor and unseen currents.

  It was a mist Elyr in its middle form: Kasuri.

  Its body seemed made of damp smoke, with silver eyes that opened and closed slowly.

  It was not attacking.

  It was lost.

  The river’s Lúmina vibrated with tension.

  Soru glided forward, surrounded by a more intense blue glow. Moki planted its paws on the ground, and its leafy tail began to shine.

  The mist stirred.

  Kasuri dispersed for a moment… and then reformed.

  Then Soru released a pulse of fluid Lúmina over the water, while Moki let small golden particles fall from its leaves.

  The mist began to descend.

  The river started to move again.

  Kasuri grew smaller, more stable, until it hovered above the surface like a soft cloud.

  The Lúmina had regained its balance.

  Shinso exhaled slowly.

  —Thank you —he said, looking at Hito—. Sometimes balance needs more than one presence.

  Hito smiled.

  —I think I’m just starting to understand that.

  Soru floated near Moki, slowly spinning as if they were playing in the air.

  The river sounded as it always had again.

  —I’m heading to Puerto Bruma —Shinso said—. There are signs of unstable Lúmina further ahead.

  Hito looked at the compass.

  The needle turned in that same direction.

  Moki gave a small leap.

  Hito nodded.

  —Then let’s travel together.

  The path continued alongside the river, disappearing between tall trees and banks of mist that now faded in the sunlight.

  Two travelers began to walk.

  Two Elyr followed them.

  The map grew with every step.