One Day Later – Western Forest, Following the Song
The music didn't stop.
It wasn't loud. Not disruptive. But it persisted, like wind through hollow reeds. A melody on the edge of hearing, sometimes ahead of them, sometimes behind.
But Snow always knew where to go.
He would lift his head, ears twitching, and tilt slightly left—or right—then take off in that direction. No hesitation.
Luka trusted him.
The others followed in silence.
Serene was unusually quiet. Arthur, too. They all felt it—that something was guiding them. And it wasn't hostile… just old.
Not far from the obelisk site, the woods changed. Gnarled oaks gave way to tall white-barked trees, their leaves glowing faintly gold. Vines bloomed with gentle bioluminescence, draping over branches like veils.
"Have you ever seen trees like these?" Serene asked, brushing her fingers across one. The bark shimmered under her touch like water catching sunlight.
"No," Luka said. "This place isn't on any map."
