*Greenwood Grove — Moments After The Gate Stirred*
Crystal remained at the center of the ring, her mark glowing with an intensity that flows with every sound of the forest.
Her silver and gold light clashed with the creeping shadows bleeding from Elira’s side of the grove.
Elira didn’t retreat.
She stood just outside the edge of Crystal’s radiance, eyes alight with fury and fascination. Her robes whipped around her as she paced back and forth.
"You think light alone will save you?" Elira hissed. "You think defiance makes you worthy to stand before the Gate?"
Crystal raised her chin. “No, but it will make me free.”
Elira’s expression twisted. “You are not free, child. You are chained to a purpose carved in blood long before you were born.”
“I have seen that chain,” Crystal said. “A
