City

They walked in silence, the Keeper's warning hanging heavily in their minds. Emily's thoughts churned as they moved through the shadowy woods, leaving the sanctuary behind. Each step took them deeper into unknown territory, yet there was an odd certainty pulling her forward. It wasn't just about protecting the relic or thwarting Kieran's plans. There was something more, something calling to her from the edges of her mind—like a voice she couldn't quite hear.

They stopped at dusk, setting up camp in a small clearing. The sky above was a deep, bruised purple, dotted with stars that felt unnervingly close. As Emily stirred the fire, a sense of déjà vu settled over her, a feeling that she'd been here before. But she knew that was impossible; they'd never ventured this far into the veil.

Calem broke the silence. "So, Keeper's orders are to 'let go,' to merge with the relic. What do you think that really means?"