The circle pulsed softly beneath my feet, every rune aligned and stable.
I didn't wait.
"Vivi," I called out.
There was a small splash behind me, followed by a streak of violet as she shot out of the pool and hovered beside me, droplets of essence trailing from her wings.
"Done already?" she asked.
"Yes."
Her eyes brightened.
"Then let's go."
I stepped into the center of the formation and extended my hand. Violet essence flowed outward, sinking into the runes. One by one, they lit up, the entire circle awakening as layers of space, sealing, and time laws activated together.
The air distorted.
Then—
The portal opened. A familiar tunnel of flowing light stretched before us, stable and contained within the layered protections I had built.
"Stay close," I said.
She nodded and flew onto my shoulder.
We stepped in.
