Black sparks fade around Astrid's bare feet as Elias crosses the room. He fastens the shutters against the blue glow, then kneels to coax the hearth back to life.
Elias
The house stands on an old hiding place. The sky-seal was built to conceal something beneath these trees, not merely to keep creatures out.
He lifts the remaining steaming cup from the table and offers it to Astrid with both hands. Frost still rims the window, though the fire begins to answer.
Elias
That thing came because the seal weakened. It was searching for the buried presence, testing every crack until it found mine.
Elias remains inside with Astrid, alone now that the shadow-creature has vanished. His gaze keeps returning to the floorboards beneath the table.
Elias
There is more I should tell you, but the last detail is dangerous even to speak aloud. Some knowledge opens doors.
Elias
If she asks plainly, I may have no choice but to name what sleeps below.