The wind blew cold across the silent mountains that night. Matt stood on a high rock ledge, looking down at the flickering lights of the small camp below. The twilight dome glowed softly around the tents, keeping everyone warm and safe. He could see Lena walking between the fires, checking on the younger knights. Kade sat near one fire, writing in his small notebook by the light of a small crystal. Viviennie was talking quietly with the scholars, her silver hair shining in the soft glow. Rex was fixing a broken communication orb, muttering to himself about the cost.
Matt felt a deep tiredness in his bones. The journey to this deep layer had been longer than any before. They had helped many echoes, sealed many cracks, and listened to stories that made his heart feel heavy. But something wa
