The Grove was quiet, almost unusually so. The wind moved softly through the Great Tree's branches, carrying with it a hint of the foreign worlds Lira had visited—spores from the bioluminescent forest, faint wisps of crystalline energy, and the lingering hum of ruined magic. Lira knelt among the newly planted saplings and semi-sentient vines, her hands hovering over the soil as if she were feeling its heartbeat. Fluffy brushed against her ankles, tail swishing with approval, purring faintly.
Renkai crouched nearby, eyes scanning the subtle movements of the Grove. "You've… really changed things here," he murmured, a mix of awe and concern in his voice. "Not bad, but… different. I can feel it—the threads you brought back."
Lira exhaled slowly, brushing dirt from her gloves. "I know. I wanted to help, to create something new… but the star guardians reminded me of the cost. I almost lost myself—and us—because I didn't think about balance."
