Page 70 of Ecliptic

“Until we can seek help from others, there is much to do,” Nepta said as she began delegating rules and responsibilitieswith precision. “We face a great challenge, but our strength lies in our unity.”

The Vale buzzed with renewed purpose as strategies, roles, and tactics for the upcoming battle were discussed. A glimmer of hope swept over us all, yet doubt lingered in my mind: would it all be enough against the sea of demons headed our way?

While others strategized and planned, I remained where I sat, repeating Rayal’s words over and over again, hoping to unlock some hidden meaning.

With any luck, we wouldn’t have to face the Voro-Kai army alone. We would find a way to tip the scales back in our favor.

I followed the village healer out of the Sacred Vale, my pace quickening to catch him. As the stars and forest canopy hovered above me, I jogged across the floating stone steps.

“Takoda,” I called, touching his bare shoulder. “I need to go to the Hymma.” My tone left no room for question. I wasn’t asking. “I have to find the desert elves. We can’t do this without them.”

“I know.” He nodded, his long hair billowing in the moonlight like tinsel. “This war is much bigger than us. I shall prepare it for you tomorrow night.”

I blinked in surprise. I hadn’t expected him to agree so quickly. “Thank you,” I said with deep appreciation. A few elves from the war council passed by, their eyes flickering with curiosity. “I’m stronger now. More in control,” I continued, recalling the insight I’d gained in the crevice. But doubt gnawed at me. Was my mind in a solid enough place to enter the Hymma?

Takoda placed a reassuring hand on my arm, and I almost cried because I could feel the care in his healing hands. “I’m saying that while you have grown, you must tread carefully. TheHymma is not just a place; it embodies your very essence. As within, so without.”

The moment had finally come; what I had been avoiding all this time—talking to someone about my feelings.

My heart raced, and my palms turned clammy.

“And I know you, star-touched. You don’t give up easily. If you can’t find the answer, I know you will go deeper, crossing through doors that are hard to return from. You need to know when to stop. I’ve seen it many times: elves who have gone too far and never recovered from what they saw inside the Hymma. Some are not ready to face their own mind or how deep it can go.”

“I’ll be careful,” I said, trying to sound confident. He might change his mind if he sensed even the slightest quiver in my voice.

“The decision is up to you. It always has been. But if you would like to talk beforehand, I am willing to listen,” he offered gently. “Regardless of what you decide, the Hymma will be ready for you."

When I’d talked in the past, I was deemed a liar and forced to say things I didn’t want to. Anxiety crept up my throat, and I swallowed hard, trying to push it down.

“Just say you’ll think about it,” he said, his umber eyes locking onto mine with such understanding that I almost unraveled right in front of him. He gave me a gentle squeeze on my arm before continuing down the watery pathway.

“I will,” I whispered, though I wasn’t sure he heard me or if I would think about it. I’d been against it for so long.

I made my way back to the Vale, searching for Rowen and Madds. The floating stone steps felt both solid and precarious beneath me, like an omen of my journey ahead.

The moonlight danced across the surface of the returned water, and I found Rowen and Maddock standing where thesteps morphed into land. Both of their eyes lit up when they saw me—forest green and solid earth. “What did Takoda say?” Rowen asked, his smile warm and encouraging.

“He agreed to prepare the Hymma for me tomorrow.”

Maddock slid his hands in his pockets. His head was down, but his gaze tilted to mine through his brows. “Ven told me you nearly lost your mind in that thing. Are you sure you want to go in there again?”

“Seriously?” I asked, throwing my arms up in the air. “Is there anything Ven didn’t tell you?”

He gave me a wicked smirk. “Tell me another secret, and I’ll let you know.”

I side-eyed him. “Not happening.”

“Just ignore him,” Rowen said, jerking his chin at Maddock. “I do.”

“Oh, you mean ignore the man who gives unsolicited advice while wearing a prison uniform?” I quipped. “He’s kind of hard to ignore.”

“Hey, I like my outfit. It’s nice quality. And I look good.”

I rolled my eyes. The off-white linen pants and shirt he wore were indeed nice quality. The Wyn crafted everything with meticulous care, making each piece one-of-a-kind. The earthy, frayed fabric draped off his lean body effortlessly.

He did look good now that I thought about it, and damn him for making me think about it. “You’re right. The prison look does suit you.”

Rowen smirked. “Don’t encourage him. His ego is already big enough to eclipse us all.”

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