I walked out of the void and entered the heart of the forest.
It was dark and humid, the trees towering above me, their canopies choking the light and pressing the earth into shadow. I moved between the old trunks, listening to the whispers curling through the air. They knew I was here. They had been expecting me.
One figure emerged from behind a tree, its face half-formed, its voice barely more than breath, looking as translucent as the moonlight itself.
“Welcome to the Valley of the Iele, Queen of the Moroi. We know you seek our council. Return at moonlight, and we shall be ready for you.”
I stopped and exhaled slowly, and opened my eyes on the next inhale.
“I don’t think this can wait,” I said into the trees.
“Nothing is rushed, Queen. Learn stillness if you wish us at your side
