The road wound deeper into the forest, narrowing and bending around gnarled trees and mossy boulders. Sunlight filtered in thin shafts, illuminating patches of ferns and wildflowers that seemed almost too bright to be real. The air smelled of damp earth and growth—alive, restless.
Lira's eyes moved constantly, scanning the undergrowth, brushing against leaves and observing bark textures, always alert for something that might catch her curiosity.
"There," she whispered suddenly, crouching beside a small clearing. A cluster of unusual plants grew near a moss-covered stone. Some had leaves like silver feathers, others sported tiny, glowing berries that pulsed faintly in rhythm with the earth beneath them.
Renkai paused mid-step, watching her carefully. "Another one?" he asked with a small smile.
