Both Kaels disappeared into the forest. Their forms multiplying in the glass trees as they walked. Dozens of reflections. Hundreds. All walking away. All choosing power over loyalty.
I wanted to call after them. To stop them. But I had no voice. And they weren't real anyway. Just reflections given enough independence to make choices that hurt.
"We need to regroup." Astro's voice came through the red thread and out loud simultaneously. "Need to get back together before the Grove separates us completely."
I looked toward where Ori had been scouting. He wasn't visible anymore. The glass trees had shifted, multiplied, creating a maze where clear sightlines had been moments ago.
Ori!
I pushed the thought through the thread, hoping somehow it would reach him. But there was no response. He was either too far away or too caught up in his own reflections to hear.
"Haven." Astro moved closer. "We need to—"
