Chapter 48: The Heart of Silverwood

The moment I hit the cold stone floor, a sharp pain shot through my body, jolting me awake. I blinked rapidly, trying to adjust to the dim, otherworldly glow that illuminated the cavernous space around me.

The light pulsed gently, emanating from ancient symbols carved into the walls, casting eerie shadows that seemed to dance and shift.

Where am I?

A low hum filled the air, vibrating through my bones. I pushed myself up onto my elbows, wincing as I took in my surroundings.

The chamber was vast, its ceiling lost in darkness, but the symbols on the walls told me everything I needed to know: I was in the heart of Silverwood, the core of the forest’s power.

And I wasn’t alone.

"Sera..." The ancient voice from before echoed through the chamber, ethereal and disembodied.

It was neither male nor female, but something beyond mortal understanding. "You have arrived at the place where destinies are forged."

"Who are you?" I demanded, my voice trembling despite my efforts to stay composed. "W