The black crystal continued to glow beneath the stranger's cloak.
He stood among the trees, watching the entrance to the ancient tunnel.
His eyes followed the warriors as they emerged.
Aria came first.
Kaelen followed closely beside her.
Lucian and the Chancellor came behind them.
And between them walked Elias, the last Guardian before Aria.
The stranger's fingers tightened around the crystal.
“They found him.”
A voice whispered through the crystal.
Did she awaken the second power?
The stranger hesitated.
“Yes.”
A pause.
Then a quiet laugh.
Excellent.
The crystal went dark.
The stranger turned away.
But he didn't notice the small silver light watching him from the trees.
Aria had seen him.
She stopped.
“Wait.”
Everyone turned.
Kaelen immediately looked in the directi
