Morning arrived softly over the Grove, mist curling gently through the roots and leaves like quiet, silvery fingers. Lira sat cross-legged on the moss, Fluffy curled in her lap, tail flicking lazily. Renkai crouched beside her, elbow resting on a glowing root, eyes scanning her preparations with both concern and pride. Serelyth flexed her pearly wings in the sun, letting a small dragonling climb over her back as she watched Lira's careful movements.
"I think today is the day," Lira whispered to herself, voice barely above the hum of the Grove. "We'll test a small, controlled portal… just enough to observe a single cluster of spores outside, bring it back safely, and see if we can maintain balance."
Renkai reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "And you'll stop immediately if anything goes wrong," he said firmly. "I won't let the Grove—or you—get hurt."
Lira smiled, squeezing his hand. "I know. That's why I'm starting small."
