The sun had dipped behind the distant hills, casting long, golden streaks across the Grove. Lira walked slowly along the winding moss-lined paths, hands brushing the tips of glowing fire-infused leaves and petals. The gentle hum of life surrounded her—the low rustle of the Fénix settling into their newly planted trees, the soft chirping of the bees as they carried traces of pollen from one flower to another, and the faint gurgle of the Spirit Spring as water rippled over smooth stones.
She paused on a small rise overlooking the main pool. The Spirit Spring shimmered in the moonlight, reflecting the silhouettes of the towering Giant Tree and the flocks of Fénix circling above. Around the pool, young saplings stretched toward the sky, leaves quivering as if sensing the energy coursing through the Grove. Even the fungi, scattered along the roots and shaded under larger plants, pulsed faintly with life, decomposing fallen leaves and branches, and returning their nourishment to the soil.
