The guardian did not rush.
It moved with the slow, deliberate weight of something that had carried centuries on its shoulders. Every step shook the ground, sending ripples through the moss and loose stones beneath our feet. It walked like the world itself made space for it, trees leaning aside, branches lifting as if they recognized something older than themselves.
We followed at a distance close enough not to lose it, far enough that none of us risked getting accidentally flattened.
Even so, it felt like a countdown.
Step.
Pulse.
Step.
Pulse.
My mark throbbed in perfect rhythm with it, the glow brightening every time the guardian’s stone foot hit the earth. I tried to ignore it, but the sensation crawled up my arm like cold lightning.
Nathan walked just slightly ahead of me, clos
