The forest had fallen into an unnatural silence for a few moments.
No wind was heard, no movement of animals, not even the quiet whisper of the roots that had been crawling under the soil and breathing like living creatures just minutes before.
The only thing still present in that dark and heavy space was the light of the tree's massive fruit, pulsing like a half-awake heart in the darkness, spreading a deep golden aura over the forest.
Elisira stepped forward a few steps and finally pulled the book out from under her cloak.
Her breathing was slightly irregular, as if she had come here without stopping, but despite her fatigue, a small smile settled on her lips when her gaze fell on Daniel.
"Here you are… I finally brought what you wanted."
But Daniel almost didn't hear her. His eyes were fixed on the book.
For the first time since Elisira had returned, his gaze was neither on the princess nor on the tree.
But on that old, silent object in the girl's hands.
