Kokoro bows toward the western guardian’s absent flame. Around her, the hovering fires abruptly alter course, each streaming toward a different alcove while the deep pool remains utterly dark.
The chamber fills with shifting colors as separate flames illuminate carved thresholds: one marked by branching lines, another by empty circles, another by a hand with open fingers.
Vael Tern
The fire has changed its question. Do not mistake the brightest alcove for the answer meant for you.
A pale flame suddenly bends downward, narrowing into a thread of light before beginning to vanish into a channel beside the dark pool.
Vael Tern
That one is departing. You have moments to observe its course, or follow before the stone closes over it.
Kokoro’s numb fingers remain close to the small, steady ember in her grasp. The descending flame leaves a fading trail across the floor, while the other alcoves wait in silence.