World Seedling {Book One}

Noah woke up just before 4:30 a.m., groaning as his alarm beeped incessantly. He fumbled to turn it off, the noise grating against his already tired mind. Rubbing his eyes, he sat up and trudged toward the bathroom. The cold tile under his feet jolted him awake a little as he turned on the shower, letting the hot water run for a moment before stepping in.

The warmth cascaded over him, washing away the lingering drowsiness, but after a few minutes, he shut it off, feeling just as exhausted as when he had started. He dried off quickly and dressed in his work clothes, the routine movements feeling heavier than usual, his muscles sluggish.

In the kitchen, he grabbed a quick breakfast—a granola bar and an apple—barely tasting it as he scribbled a note on the fridge for Nova. "Gone to work. Should be back later. Keep an eye on the World Tree. Call if anything changes." He paused after writing it, tapping the pen thoughtfully before setting it down.

Before heading out, Noah reached into his pocket and pulled out the teleportation stone. Its cool surface shimmered as he set the location to home, watching one of the stone's sides light up with an unfamiliar rune. The glowing symbol flickered for a moment before settling into a steady pulse. Nodding to himself, he slipped the stone into his inventory, reassured by the comforting weight in his pocket.

Finally, he grabbed his car keys and locked the front door behind him. The early morning air was cool and crisp, still heavy with the darkness of pre-dawn. As he got into his car, the quiet hum of the engine broke the silence, and he pulled out of the driveway, heading toward work with a lingering sense of fatigue. Today felt different, though he couldn’t quite put his finger on why.

Driving down the road, Noah soon pulled into the nearly empty parking lot at work. The dim light of dawn cast long shadows across the asphalt, making the few cars parked there stand out in the stillness. He could spot his boss’s car in its usual spot, a sleek black sedan that always seemed out of place against the worn-out building.

A few spaces away, he recognized the faded red hatchback that belonged to Jade, the counter person. She must have beaten him there by only a few minutes, as the chill of the morning still clung to the car's windows. Noah sighed, feeling the weight of another long workday settling on his shoulders.

With a final glance around the quiet lot, Noah parked his car and turned off the engine. As he stepped out, the early morning air felt cooler than expected. The quiet was only disturbed by the soft hum of another car pulling up nearby. That familiar, unsettling feeling of being watched crept over him again, but he brushed it off, figuring it was just his paranoia from the last few days.

Reaching the door, he knocked softly and saw movement through the glass. A moment later, the door unlocked with a familiar click, and Jade greeted him with a bright smile.

“Morning, Noah! How was your sleep last night?” Jade asked, her cheerful tone cutting through the quiet.

Noah grinned tiredly. "Morning, Jade. It was alright, I guess. Could’ve used a few more hours, though."

Jade chuckled, pushing the door open wider to let him in. "Tell me about it. I barely made it out of bed this morning myself."

As Noah stepped inside, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off, but Jade's upbeat energy helped ease his mind, if only for a moment.

As Noah stepped inside the building, the feeling of being watched still gnawed at the back of his mind. The faint hum of the fluorescent lights overhead buzzed, and the empty reception area felt oddly still, save for Jade, who was now walking back behind the counter to log in for the morning shift. He glanced around, noting how unusually quiet the place seemed. Normally, a few more cars would have pulled up by now, but today it felt like something was missing.

"Coffee?" Jade offered, her voice breaking the silence as she gestured to the freshly brewed pot on the counter.

Noah gave a tired smile. "Yeah, thanks. I need it this morning." Noah laughed.

Jade poured him a cup, the rich aroma filling the air as she slid it across the counter. "You look like you’ve got a lot on your mind. Everything okay?"

Noah shook his head, offering a small, reassuring smile. "No, nothing like that. Just... I don’t know, maybe a little stressed. It’s been a weird couple of weeks, that’s all."

Jade leaned against the counter, her concern evident now. “Weird how? Like work stuff, or personal?”

He hesitated for a moment, unsure how much he should say. The strange events around the World Tree, the meteors, Claire’s sudden reappearance—it was all swirling in his mind, but he didn’t want to burden her with the details. Not yet, anyway.

“Just personal stuff," he replied, brushing it off lightly. "I’ll be fine."

Jade studied him for a moment, then nodded. “Alright, but if you need to talk, you know where to find me. I’ve got an open ear and plenty of coffee.”

“Thanks,” Noah said, appreciating the gesture, even if he wasn’t ready to open up just yet.

Just then, the faint sound of footsteps from the hallway echoed again, catching both of their attention. Noah’s gaze flicked to the door, but this time there was no stranger—just their boss stepping in, looking preoccupied with his phone.

“Morning,” their boss called out distractedly, not looking up from his screen as he walked past them toward the back offices.

Noah exhaled, relaxing slightly. “Well, better get to it. Thanks for the coffee, Jade.”

“Anytime,” she smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes as she watched him walk away, a hint of lingering concern still evident.

Noah followed his boss down the hallway toward the office, still feeling that subtle sense of unease. "So, who’s coming in today?" he asked, hoping to distract himself from the lingering tension.

His boss still focused on his phone, glanced up for a second before pushing the office door open. "We’ve got a couple of appointments lined up. Nothing major—should be a light day. Just some regulars coming in for their usual services, and a few walk-ins." He paused as he scrolled through his schedule. "Oh, and we've got a new client stopping by this afternoon. Some corporate job out near Coolabah Springs."

The mention of their hometown made Noah’s stomach tighten. He tried to keep his expression neutral, but the connection to the town only reminded him of the meteors and Claire’s unsettling revelations.

"here?, in Coolabah Springs?" he asked, a little too casually. "What kind of job is it?"

His boss shrugged, finally putting his phone down on the desk. "Dunno yet. Just got a request to do a call out to the site, something about off-road vehicles. But honestly, the details were vague. Shouldn’t be anything crazy, though."

Noah nodded, trying to suppress the flood of thoughts swirling in his mind. Vague requests, Coolabah Springs, missing meteor fragments—everything felt like it was circling back to something bigger.

Noah's mind raced as he processed the details. Off-road vehicles? That seemed oddly specific for a vague request. Coolabah Springs, meteors, and now strange jobs involving off-road vehicles—it was too much of a coincidence.

"Anything else I should know about the job?" Noah asked, trying to keep his tone casual as he leaned against the doorway.

His boss shook his head, already shifting his attention back to the stack of paperwork on his desk. "Nah, not really. Just a routine check. Could be someone new setting up a camp or something. You'll head out with Jade around noon to handle it."

Noah forced a smile, though his thoughts were a whirlwind of anxiety. "Sounds good."

He left the office and returned to his desk, his coffee long forgotten as he stared at the screen. His mind wandered back to Claire’s warning, the stolen meteor fragments, and now this job tied to Coolabah Springs.

Why would anyone need off-road vehicles out there, what were they searching for?

Noah started his morning routine, alternating between filling out paperwork and working on the few cars that had come in. The tasks kept his hands busy, but his mind wandered, replaying everything from the stolen meteor fragments to the strange request his boss had mentioned earlier.

As the hours ticked by, something else caught his attention—Karan, one of their most reliable clients, hadn’t shown up. She was notorious for being either right on time or arriving early to her appointments, but today, she was nowhere to be seen.

Noah glanced at the clock. She should’ve been here by now.

He wiped his hands on a rag, the sense of unease growing stronger. First the off-road job, and now Karan’s absence? Something felt off. He picked up his phone, debating whether to give her a call, but hesitated.

Before he could make a decision, Jade poked her head into the garage. "Hey, you ready to head out soon? We’ve got that site call in an hour."

Noah nodded, pocketing his phone. "Yeah, just finishing up here." He forced a smile, but the knot in his stomach tightened. Today was shaping up to be anything but routine.

Noah washed his hands, letting the grease and oil wash away with the potent soap they used for tough jobs. The greyish block smelled sharp, but it did the trick. After drying his hands with a paper towel, he grabbed his bags of tools and loaded them into the back of the work vehicle. The truck was relatively new, with just a few faded patches of paint and dents that told tales of past adventures.

As he secured his tools, Jade approached with a clipboard in hand. “Ready to go?” She glanced at the time, realizing it had only been a few minutes since she’d last mentioned their departure.

“Yeah, I figured we’d get up there a little early,” Noah replied, closing the truck’s tailgate. “We can drive up, find the site, and get a lay of the land before we start.”

“Sounds good to me,” Jade said, her smile returning as she hopped into the passenger seat. Noah slid into the driver’s side, the familiarity of the vehicle offering him a brief sense of comfort.

As he started the engine, he took a moment to mentally prepare himself. Whatever was happening out there, he needed to be alert. The drive would give him a chance to clear his mind, but the lingering worries about Karan and the vague call-out still tugged at him.

He pulled out of the parking lot, the morning sun gleaming off the windshield, and focused on the road ahead, determined to shake off the unease.

As Noah drove, the landscape around them shifted from the clutter of town to the open stretches of the Outback, the road winding ahead like a snake through the scrubland. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows that danced across the pavement.

“Do you know anything about this site?” Jade asked, pulling out her phone to check for updates.

“Not much,” Noah admitted, trying to recall the details. “Just that there were reports of some off-road vehicles acting up, and they wanted us to check for any mechanical issues.”

Jade nodded, her brow furrowing as she scrolled through her messages. “It’s strange that Karan didn’t come in, not like her to not show up for her car”

“Yeah, it feels off,” Noah muttered, the unease creeping back into his thoughts. Something about the situation nagged at him, the subtle weight of something unseen pressing against his instincts. He glanced at Jade, who was momentarily absorbed in her phone. “You haven’t heard anything more about her, right?”

Jade shook her head, her eyes flicking up briefly before returning to the screen. “Just that she didn’t show up for her car check-up. Nothing else.” She hesitated, biting her lip. “Maybe she’s just sick or had something come up?”

Noah sighed, his fingers tapping idly on the steering wheel. “Let’s hope that’s all it is.”

The conversation dissolved into a tense quiet as the truck rumbled deeper into the wilderness. The road ahead grew rougher, the vehicle bouncing lightly over uneven terrain. Out here, the isolation was palpable. It was as if the land itself had swallowed them whole, miles away from the normalcy they had left behind. The towering trees loomed overhead, casting long shadows that danced with the movement of the sun.

As they approached the designated site, the faint sound of humming engines filled the air, followed by a sight that immediately set Noah on edge. A haphazard cluster of vehicles littered the clearing. Some were half-buried in dirt, their tires sunken into the earth like they had been there for days, while others sat idling ominously, engines purring with an almost unnatural hum. It was a jarring contrast to the barren wilderness around them.

Noah pulled the truck to a halt, his fingers tightening on the wheel. He exchanged a glance with Jade, her expression mirroring his unease. “This doesn’t look like a routine job.”

“Definitely not,” Jade replied, her voice edged with wariness as her gaze swept across the chaotic scene. “Something’s wrong here. Let’s check it out.”

They climbed out of the truck, the heat hitting them in a sudden wave, smothering and thick. The air felt heavy, as if the wilderness itself was holding its breath. The workers in the clearing moved about with a jittery energy, their faces tight with concern. Some huddled around vehicles with their hoods up, gesturing animatedly, while others paced, glancing at malfunctioning equipment.

Noah approached a man who stood apart from the rest, his brow furrowed in frustration. “We’re from the local medical team. What’s going on here?”

The man ran a hand through his disheveled hair, his face etched with a mixture of worry and exhaustion. “It’s the electronics. They’ve been going haywire since this morning. GPS systems are glitching out, and some of the engines just won’t start. We’re stranded out here with no explanation.”

Noah shot a glance at Jade, the tension between them sharpening. “Mind if we take a look?”

The worker exhaled in relief, gesturing toward a few of the vehicles. “Please, by all means. We’re on a tight deadline, and this delay is killing us.”

As they moved toward one of the disabled trucks, Noah couldn’t shake the creeping sensation that was prickling at the back of his neck. A whisper of energy, faint but insistent, brushed against his skin, making the fine hairs on his arms stand up. He paused for a moment, frowning as he tried to place the feeling—something wasn’t right. The sensation reminded him of the quiet before a storm, the air charged with tension.

But he shook it off, focusing on the task at hand. “Let’s see what we’re dealing with,” he said, kneeling beside one of the trucks, his hands moving expertly over the engine. Jade slid into the driver’s seat, checking the dashboard and electronics.

The air was still heavy with that eerie hum, and the longer they worked, the more Noah felt it—something was out of balance here. Something beyond malfunctioning equipment.

“Something doesn’t feel right,” Noah murmured, glancing around as an uneasy feeling settled in his stomach. The atmosphere felt charged, but he couldn’t quite place why. He was determined to keep the unsettling thoughts to himself, focusing instead on the task at hand.

Noah turned to the worker he had spoken to earlier, his brow furrowed with concern. As he quickly called out to him “When did this start by the way?” he asked, gesturing toward the malfunctioning engine.

The worker looked taken aback for a moment as if caught off guard by the question. “Uh, just this morning. They were working fine yesterday.”

“Okay, I haven’t looked at it yet but I let you know if I find the issue,” Noah said as he turned back to the vehicle and resumed his work.

As he continued tinkering with the engine, he wiped his brow, deep in concentration. After several minutes of poking around, he noticed something strange—a faint, powdery substance clinging to the engine’s components. It wasn’t dirt or oil, something about the texture felt off, almost crystalline.

“What the…?” Noah muttered, his brow furrowing as he leaned in for a closer look. The white, powdery material clung to his fingertips, tingling faintly as if alive with some unseen energy. It wasn’t just dirt or residue from the engine. It was something more—something that didn’t belong. His instincts screamed at him to tread carefully.

As he continued examining the substance, the low murmur of two nearby workers drifted through the air, their conversation punctuated by the clatter of tools. Noah stilled, straining to catch the words as they walked by.

“I’m telling you, it’s not just faulty wiring,” one of the workers muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with nervousness. “Ever since those guys came by last night and installed that new equipment, everything’s been acting up. We should’ve known something was off.”

Noah’s heart raced, but he kept his expression neutral, feigning focus on the engine. His mind, however, was already spinning with questions. New equipment? Something strange was definitely going on. Whatever they installed, it wasn’t just tech failure—it was intentional sabotage, and Noah was sure of it.

“Alright,” Noah called out casually, raising his voice to cover his rising tension. “I haven’t found the issue yet. Let me dig around a bit more.” He crouched down, lying beneath the truck to continue his inspection. The powder, unsettling as it was, remained a mystery for now—something he wasn’t eager to draw attention to without knowing more.

As he worked, something caught his eye—just a glint of metal, barely visible deep inside the engine. He reached out cautiously, his fingertips brushing against the cool surface. It wasn’t a regular part of the vehicle. Nestled between the engine components was a small, odd-looking device, almost deliberately hidden. His gut twisted.

This wasn’t normal.

Before he had a chance to examine it further, a thunderous explosion shattered the air, shaking the ground beneath him. Noah’s instincts kicked in, and he yanked the device free, stashing it quickly in his pocket as he scrambled out from under the truck.

“Get down!” he yelled, diving behind the truck as a second explosion followed, closer this time. The shockwave sent debris flying through the air, and the ground trembled under the force.

Noah dragged Jade behind the truck just as chunks of metal and debris rained down. Smoke billowed from the distance, rising like a dark pillar over the site. His eyes tracked the source—a nearby storage building now engulfed in flames. Workers scattered, their frantic shouts filling the air as chaos erupted.

But that wasn’t the worst of it.

Out of nowhere, multiple four-wheelers tore into the clearing, screeching to a halt. Armed figures, dressed head-to-toe in black tactical gear, leaped off with eerie precision. Their movements were too coordinated, too practiced. These weren’t ordinary mercenaries or workers. They were professionals, and they knew exactly what they were doing.

Noah’s pulse quickened. Whoever they were, they weren’t here by chance.

“Jade, we need to move. Now,” he whispered urgently, grabbing her arm. Without waiting for her response, he pulled her toward the tree line. They sprinted for cover, their feet pounding against the dirt.

Gunfire cracked behind them. Bullets whizzed through the air, tearing into the trees and kicking up sprays of dirt. Jade ducked instinctively, her breath ragged as they weaved through the forest, trying to put distance between them and the attackers.

“What the hell is going on?!” Jade shouted, her voice a mixture of fear and confusion as they slid behind a fallen tree, catching their breath. More shots rang out, cutting through the leaves.

Noah didn’t have time to explain everything, but he knew one thing for sure—the device he’d found was connected to all of this. The explosions, the armed figures, the malfunctioning equipment—it was all linked. And now, they were caught in the middle of something far bigger than they had imagined.

“These guys aren’t just here to cause trouble,” Noah muttered, peeking out from behind the fallen tree to assess their surroundings. The attackers were closing in, their shouts growing louder. They were hunting.

“They’re after something. Or someone,” Noah continued, his voice low. “And now… they’ve got us in their sights.”

Jade’s wide eyes met his, and for a moment, there was only the sound of their breathing and the distant rumble of explosions. They both knew that staying hidden wasn’t an option. The attackers were too organized, too relentless. Sooner or later, they’d find them.

Noah’s mind raced as he scanned the surrounding forest, plotting their next move. “We’ve got to keep moving,” he whispered. “If they catch us, we’re done.”

“We can’t stay here,” Noah continued, his heart pounding. “We need to circle back to the truck, maybe use it as cover.”

Jade nodded, fear flickering in her eyes, though she kept her composure. “Were those explosions? Did they target the site?”

Noah hesitated for a moment. She was clearly in shock—just as much as he was—but they didn’t have time to process everything. “I don’t know. But I found something weird in the engine before all this went down.” He quickly pulled out the small device and showed it to her.

Jade glanced at the device, frowning. “And you think these guys… you think they’re after that? Or something else here?”

“Maybe. Either way, they’re not here by accident,” Noah replied grimly. He peeked over the fallen tree, watching the armed figures spread out, their movements precise and deliberate.

Suddenly, a loud mechanical hum filled the air. Noah looked up, his eyes widening as a large drone hovered above, its sensors sweeping the forest like an eagle hunting its prey.

“We need to move. Now,” Noah hissed. “They’ve got drones.”

Without hesitation, they darted through the underbrush, using the thick trees for cover. The sharp crack of gunfire echoed again, and they barely avoided the hail of bullets. One shot hit a tree right next to them, sending splinters flying.

“Left!” Noah shouted, yanking Jade toward a dense thicket. The foliage provided some cover, but the drone buzzed above them, its lights piercing through the shadows, casting an eerie glow across the forest floor.

In the distance, they spotted the truck still parked on the dirt road. It seemed close, yet impossibly far—too exposed to reach without being caught in the open. Noah gritted his teeth, trying to calculate their next move. They needed a way out, fast, and he knew they were running out of time.

Suddenly, there was a faint rumble beside him. Glancing down, he noticed a small, green root brushing against his leg. As it touched him, his map appeared in his mind.

The vision detailed the surrounding landscape, revealing a tunnel hidden a few hundred feet behind them, leading into the mountains—an old, abandoned coal mine. His gaze followed the thick, green root running through the center of the tunnel, its offshoots rapidly growing around him and expanding into the forest.

“It’s giving me live updates of their movements,” Noah realized, watching as the map revealed a group of three men heading toward their truck.

“Damn it,” he whispered, eyes narrowing as he looked toward the vehicle. The map was accurate.

“What’s wrong? Oh, shit,” Jade whispered, her eyes widening as she saw the men inspecting their truck, one of them beginning to tamper with it.

Noah’s mind raced. He had the teleportation stone, a desperate option that could get them out of this mess. But using it meant exposing Jade to things she wasn’t ready for—things he wasn’t sure she’d believe or understand.

He was running out of options, and quickly.

Just then, the map updated again. The men were starting to encircle them, closing in from both sides. Noah’s pulse quickened. They were outnumbered, and with every second, the attackers were tightening the noose.

Then, like a whisper in the wind, a soft, ancient voice echoed in his mind. I... I can create distance for you, Father.

Noah barely had time to process the words before, about ten meters away, a loud cracking sound split the air. One of the gunmen jerked his head toward the noise, distracted by the sudden disturbance.

Taking the opportunity, Noah motioned to Jade. “Now. Move.”

They sprinted, making a beeline for the thicket as the gunmen’s attention remained divided. The World Tree had bought them precious seconds, and Noah knew they had to make them count.

Noah watched on the map as the men moved toward the noise. Once he thought they were far enough away, he began to lead Jade quietly back down the dirt road they had come from.

But before they could go any further, the sound of an engine rumbling caught his ear.

The rumbling engine echoed through the quiet afternoon, making Noah’s heart race. He glanced quickly at Jade, who crouched beside him, her eyes wide with fear.

“We need to move now,” Noah whispered, motioning for Jade to follow as they crept down the dirt road, keeping low to avoid detection. The warm light of the afternoon sun filtered through the trees, casting long shadows across the path, making it easier for them to slip into the thick underbrush unnoticed.

Jade nodded, her expression tense but resolute. They moved swiftly and silently, the dense forest surrounding them offering some cover. The distant hum of engines grew louder, a constant reminder that their pursuers were closing in. Noah’s mind flickered with the map the World Tree had provided, showing the positions of the gunmen and the intricate web of roots spreading beneath the earth, wrapping around the land like an ancient lifeline.

Suddenly, the truck’s headlights pierced through the trees, casting harsh beams of light across the forest. Noah’s instincts kicked in—he grabbed Jade’s arm, pulling her behind a nearby tree just in time. The two of them pressed their backs against the rough bark, holding their breath as the truck rumbled closer, its engine a low growl that reverberated through the woods.

“Stay still,” Noah mouthed, his pulse hammering in his ears. Peering around the edge of the tree, he watched as the truck slowed to a stop near the clearing where they’d been hiding only moments ago. The armed men fanned out, flashlights slicing through the fading daylight, searching for any sign of movement.

The tension was suffocating. Noah gripped the rough bark of the tree, fighting the urge to move. They were too close, too exposed, but the World Tree’s presence pulsed faintly in the back of his mind, urging him forward.

“Come on, let’s get to that tunnel,” he whispered urgently to Jade. As the gunmen searched the clearing, Noah and Jade slipped deeper into the forest, moving in the opposite direction. The old coal mine loomed ahead on the map, their only hope of disappearing before they were spotted.

As they neared the tunnel entrance, the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting a fiery orange glow over the landscape. The entrance to the mine was dark and uninviting, a gaping maw of stone and shadow, but Noah knew it was their best chance. He pointed toward the tunnel, his voice barely a whisper. “In here.”

Jade hesitated for just a moment before nodding, and together they hurried inside. The air grew cooler as they descended, the darkness pressing in around them. But then, like before, Noah felt the familiar touch of a green root brushing against his leg. A faint glow illuminated the path ahead, soft and gentle, as if the World Tree was guiding them to safety.

Inside the mine, the walls were damp and the scent of earth and stone filled the air. The tunnel twisted and curved, the roots of the World Tree snaking through the rock, winding deeper and deeper underground.

“Whatever’s going on,” Noah muttered under his breath, casting a glance back toward the entrance, “we need to figure it out fast.” His gaze lingered on the distant sound of the truck, where the armed men were still searching for them.

The deeper they went, the more the glow from the roots grew, illuminating their path in soft, greenish light. Each step felt like a lifeline, the World Tree protecting them, but Noah couldn’t shake the growing unease. They were being chased—and now they were heading deeper into unknown territory.

Noah glanced at Jade, her face set in determination, but he could see the fear in her eyes. And the deeper they went, the more certain he became that they were running out of time.

-{Unknown POV}-

She watched from the ridge, her sharp eyes narrowing as the human—her human—slipped into the cave, trailed by a younger female. The clumsy ones in their gleaming metal suits scattered throughout the woods, stumbling over roots and brambles. Fools. Did they really think they could find him before she did?

A low, guttural growl escaped her throat, surprising even herself. The sound was primal, feral—nothing like the whispers of sentience she’d known before. It vibrated deep within her, awakening something wild, something raw. Instincts she didn’t understand were taking over, twisting her thoughts, sharpening her senses. Her muscles tensed, coiling with newfound strength, ready to strike. This… this was new.

With fluid grace, she slid down the slope, the earth giving way under her claws without resistance. Every movement felt different now, more deliberate, more powerful. As she neared the mouth of the cave, her head tilted, nostrils flaring. The familiar scent of the human—Noah, she recalled—lingered in the air, but there was something else too. A pulse, a current, as though the earth beneath the cave thrummed with life.

Her limbs quivered, the same irritating itch flaring between her front legs. She pressed her body against a jagged rock, scratching furiously, but it did nothing to quell the discomfort. This wasn’t just an itch—it was something deeper, something far more unsettling. The tension radiated through her bones, a simmering power gnawing at her insides, restless and waiting.

It was as if her very form could no longer contain what was growing within her.

She hesitated at the cave’s entrance, golden eyes scanning the darkness within. The human had gone too far to reach him now without alerting the others. And she wasn’t yet ready. Something inside her urged caution, a silent whisper to wait, to hold back, even though every fibre of her being screamed for release.

Her claws dug into the dirt, frustration flaring in her chest. What was this? This waiting? She had never known hesitation. Yet now, every part of her body buzzed with a yearning, a force pulling her toward something inevitable. The moment was approaching—it was close. She could feel it in her blood like a storm waiting to break.

She growled softly, eyes narrowing on the cave’s entrance one last time before retreating back into the shadows of the trees. She would let him go—for now. But she would be there, waiting for the moment when the itch, the tension, and the power inside her would no longer be contained.

And when that moment came, they would all know. The human, the hunters, everyone would feel the force she had become.

-{Nova POV}- Two hours later

Nova paced the length of the small room, her anxiety gnawing at her as the last traces of daylight disappeared behind the horizon. She grabbed her phone for what felt like the hundredth time, dialing Noah’s number again, only to be met with the same lifeless message: “The number you have reached cannot be connected.”

Frustration boiled inside her. “Where are you, Noah?” she whispered under her breath, her fingers tightening around the phone. It wasn’t like him to go dark—especially after a workday. He always checked in. Always.

A shiver of unease slid down her spine, and Nova found herself glancing out the window toward the edge of the property, where the world seed lay sheltered under layers of protective netting and tarps. She stepped outside, the cool evening air brushing against her skin as she made her way toward the makeshift barrier.

The seedling had grown overnight—its thin branches now stretched skyward with more leaves sprouting along its length. But the vibrant, almost tangible energy that usually radiated from it was gone. The once lively seedling now sat still, its leaves unmoving as though it were holding its breath, waiting.

Nova knelt beside it, brushing her fingers lightly over one of the soft leaves. “You feel it too, don’t you?” she murmured. The plant, which normally responded to her touch with a gentle sway, remained eerily motionless. The usual pulse of life, the connection between it and Noah, felt... off. Distant. Something’s wrong.

Her pulse quickened as she realized the truth. If something’s wrong with Noah... She stood up abruptly, glancing around as the darkness closed in around her. The uneasy silence, the stillness in the air—it all pointed to something much bigger than just a missed check-in.

"I can't just sit here," Nova muttered, her mind racing. Noah had always been the one who took action, but he wasn’t here. If something had happened, she couldn’t afford to wait any longer.

Suddenly, a sharp knock echoed from the front door, breaking the stillness.

Nova’s heart leapt into her throat as she hurried back inside, her mind spinning with possibilities. She peeked through the peephole, her eyes locking onto a young woman standing anxiously on the doorstep. She looked to be in her early twenties, with tousled hair and a hastily thrown-on lab coat. There was something familiar about her features—a resemblance to Noah that made Nova’s chest tighten with dread.

“Noah, you there?” the woman called out, her voice muffled but carrying a clear note of urgency.

Nova hesitated for a second before unlocking the door and pulling it open. The woman’s appearance was frazzled—her wide eyes betraying a mix of worry and determination.

“Is Noah here?” the woman asked, her voice cracking slightly. She shifted on her feet, glancing past Nova into the house, searching.

Nova’s brow furrowed, her unease growing. “No, he hasn’t come home yet,” she replied carefully. “He said he’d be back by four, but...” She trailed off, studying the stranger’s face. “Who are you?”

The woman’s eyes widened in slight surprise. “I’m Claire—Noah’s sister,” she explained, the words tinged with urgency as though she expected Nova to recognize her immediately.

Nova’s heart skipped a beat, the realization crashing into her. Sister? Noah had only mentioned her briefly—something vague the day before. He hadn’t explained much, but now, standing face-to-face with Claire, Nova understood why he had seemed so guarded about his family.

“I’m Nova,” she said, the uncertainty in her voice clear. “I’ve been trying to reach him too... Have you heard from him?”

Claire’s expression tightened, and she shook her head. “No,” she admitted, her voice laced with frustration. “That’s why I came here. I thought maybe he was with you, or at least that you’d heard from him. I haven’t been able to reach him all day.”

The silence between them was heavy, and both women realised the gravity of the situation. Something was very wrong.

Nova glanced back toward the window, where the distant outline of the world seed was barely visible in the fading light. She could feel it now—whatever had gone wrong with Noah, it was bigger than just a simple disappearance. And time was running out.

Claire shook her head, her eyes flicking anxiously toward the road as if expecting someone—or something—to suddenly appear. “No, I haven’t,” she said, her voice tight with worry. “I’ve been calling all afternoon, but I can’t get through. Something happened, and I need to talk to him.”

Nova could sense the tension radiating from Claire’s every word, but a part of her still hesitated. She crossed her arms, studying the woman in front of her more closely. “This is the first I’m hearing about you,” Nova said cautiously. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

Claire’s shoulders tensed at the question, her breath escaping in a shaky exhale as she struggled to maintain her composure. The desperate edge in her voice told Nova everything she needed to know—this was no ordinary visit. "My company..." Claire began, her words unsteady, as though she were grappling with the enormity of what she was about to reveal. "We hired his workplace to fix some of our vehicles," she continued, rubbing her temples as if fighting off an incoming headache. "I just got word about an hour ago... the site they were sent to was attacked—completely out of the blue."

Nova felt a sharp jolt in her chest, the blood draining from her face. "Attacked?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "What do you mean? Was Noah there?" Her heart was pounding now, each beat louder than the last.

Claire nodded grimly, her eyes clouding with a mixture of fear and urgency. She glanced down the empty road again, as if expecting something terrible to be chasing after them. "That’s why I’m here," she said, her voice dropping. "I don’t have all the details yet, but it's serious. I need to find him, Nova. If he was at that site..." Her words faltered, her lips parting as if to finish the thought, but no sound came out. The implication hung heavily in the air between them.

Nova’s stomach lurched, her mind scrambling to make sense of it all. The uneasy feeling that had nagged at her all day suddenly sharpened into cold dread. “We need to go find him,” Nova said firmly, her eyes locking onto Claire’s. “I’ve been trying to reach him too, but if he’s in trouble, we can’t just sit around waiting. We have to act—now.”

Claire’s expression hardened, her jaw set in grim determination. She nodded in agreement, the intensity of the moment tightening the air between them. "Do you have any way of tracking him?" Claire asked, her voice urgent, almost pleading. "Anything at all that could help us figure out where he is?"

Nova hesitated, her gaze drifting toward the makeshift barrier outside where the mysterious world seed rested, pulsing faintly with energy. She couldn’t explain it—not yet—but she felt an undeniable connection between the seed and Noah. The strange, living energy seemed to whisper to her whenever he was near.

"Not exactly..." Nova’s voice wavered as her mind raced, grasping for the right words. "But there's something... something Noah left behind. It might help us find him, but it's not straightforward." She could feel the weight of her own uncertainty, unsure if what she was about to suggest would even work, but it was all she had.

Claire’s brow knitted together, suspicion flashing across her features. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice edged with skepticism.

Nova hesitated, feeling the gravity of what she couldn’t yet explain—the inexplicable bond between her and Noah, the strange pull of the World Tree that now pulsed faintly within her. She swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. How could she explain something so... otherworldly without sounding insane?

The connection between them, tied to the mystical forces surrounding the World Tree, was unlike anything she’d ever known. It wasn’t a bond of logic or science; it was primal, ancient, and far beyond her full understanding. She wasn’t even sure she could trust it—but it was real, and more importantly, it was stirring now, pressing against her consciousness with a subtle urgency. Whatever this force was, it knew Noah was in danger.

Nova glanced at Claire, whose eyes were still locked on her, waiting for a more concrete answer. “It’s complicated,” she finally said, her tone firm despite her uncertainty. “But I’m not going to let him slip away. If there’s even the slightest chance this can help us track him, I’m going to try.”

Claire still seemed wary, her eyes scanning Nova’s face for any sign of deception or delusion. But there was something in Nova’s expression—something raw and determined—that made Claire’s shoulders relax, if only slightly. She took a deep breath, as though steadying herself for what was to come. "Alright," she said, her voice measured but resolute. "But we need to hurry. Every second counts."

Without another word, the two women moved swiftly, driven by the same fierce urgency to find Noah before it was too late. Nova grabbed her jacket and reached for a small pouch she’d prepared earlier. Inside were several magical items, each one humming with latent energy. She wasn’t entirely sure what kind of danger awaited them or if any of these artifacts would help, but she wanted to be prepared for anything. If there was even the slightest chance they could lead her to Noah, she had to try.

As they hurried outside, the cold wind whipped across their faces, and Claire couldn’t help but glance around, her nerves visibly frayed. "I’ve got a vehicle nearby," Claire said, her voice tight with urgency. "We can take that." She gestured toward a sleek, black government-issued SUV parked just a few yards away.

Nova gave a quick nod, her movements sharp and focused as she followed Claire to the car. Once inside, Claire wasted no time. She pulled out a small handheld device, tapping rapidly on its screen. "I have access to the comms from the site," she explained, her eyes glued to the display. "If anyone there made an emergency call, I might be able to pick it up... if the systems are still working."

The SUV's engine roared to life, and Claire hit the gas, speeding down the narrow road that led toward the direction Noah was supposed to be. The atmosphere inside the car was thick with tension, the hum of the engine only amplifying the uneasy silence.

"Do you have any idea where he could be?" Claire asked, her eyes darting between the road and the device in her hand, frustration creeping into her voice.

Nova shook her head, her thoughts spinning. "No, I don’t. He didn’t mention anything unusual this morning, but something feels... off. I can sense it."

Claire’s grip on the steering wheel tightened, her knuckles turning white as her frustration and concern deepened. "This isn’t like him," she muttered, almost to herself. "He wouldn’t just disappear."

Nova glanced down at the pouch of magical items resting on her lap, feeling the weight of each artifact pressing against her palms. Each one held potential—tools of protection, divination, and defence—but only if she could tap into them at the right time. Her mind buzzed with thoughts of how to use them, but she needed more information. She had to understand the situation better before making any moves. "We’ll find him," she said aloud, though the words seemed meant more for herself than for Claire.

The drive continued in tense silence, broken only by the steady hum of the engine and the occasional ping from Claire’s device. With every passing mile, the sense of urgency only grew, tightening like a knot in Nova’s chest. As they neared the site, a heaviness seemed to settle over the landscape, the air thickening with an unspoken dread. The sun was dipping low in the sky, casting long, jagged shadows over the road, and the unease in the pit of Nova’s stomach deepened.

Suddenly, the device in Claire's hand pinged louder, the sound piercing through the tense quiet. "We’re getting close," Claire said, her voice clipped as she concentrated on the screen. "There’s still no signal from the workers, but something’s coming through... it's faint, though."

Nova leaned over, her eyes following the flickering blips on the screen. "What is that?" she asked, her voice tight with apprehension.

Claire frowned, narrowing her eyes as she studied the display. "It’s... movement. But I can’t tell if it’s human. Whatever it is, it’s close to the area where Noah’s team last reported."

Nova’s heart skipped a beat at the words. "Do you think it could be Noah?"

Claire shook her head slightly, her lips pressed into a thin line. "I don’t know. It could be anyone—or anything. We need to be prepared."

The SUV lurched forward as Claire pressed harder on the accelerator, the vehicle kicking up dust as they sped toward the site. The landscape around them grew more rugged, the smooth asphalt giving way to rough, uneven dirt paths. Looming ahead were the faint silhouettes of industrial vehicles and equipment, partially shrouded in the shadows of the fading daylight.

As they approached the site, a chilling stillness descended, the air feeling heavy with anticipation, as though the land itself were holding its breath.

"We’re here," Claire said in a low voice, her fingers hovering over the steering wheel as she brought the SUV to a halt. She glanced over at Nova, her face tense and serious. "Stay close. We have no idea what we’re walking into."

Nova nodded, her hand tightening around the pouch of magical items. "I’m ready," she said, though her pulse quickened with a mix of fear and determination.

They stepped out of the vehicle, and as they did, a strange, metallic scent hit them—blood. Nova's eyes widened as she scanned the area, the grim sight of scattered equipment and bloodstains sending a chill down her spine.

"Something terrible happened here," she whispered, her voice barely audible as her eyes flicked to Claire.

Claire's face paled, her eyes sweeping over the scene. "We need to find him. Fast."

Looking around the desolate site, Nova’s gaze landed on a car that stood out from the rest. Its condition, though battered, seemed different—familiar even. Claire’s eyes followed hers, and recognition flashed across her face.

"That’s one of the work cars from Noah’s company," Claire said, her voice strained with realization. She sprinted toward the vehicle, noticing the hood was up, the entire side of the car riddled with bullet holes.

Claire crouched near the front, her fingers running along the edge of the hood as she examined the damage. "They ripped parts out of the engine. No wonder he never made it back," she muttered, frustration boiling beneath her calm exterior.

Nova, keeping a lookout, approached cautiously. "Could they have fixed it? If they’d had time to return?" she asked, peeking inside the car, noting the mess of wires and torn-out components.

Claire shook her head, standing up and letting out a heavy sigh. "Depends on what they took and if there were any spare parts around. But from what I can see, they took the battery... and even some of the piping." She sighed, a mixture of anger and helplessness crossing her face. "There’s no way they could’ve fixed this out here. Not without tools or parts."

While Claire focused on the vehicle, Nova’s attention shifted to the ground beneath her feet. A subtle energy stirred, something quiet yet undeniable, brushing against her senses. She knelt down, her fingers barely grazing the earth. "Are you... are you around here?" she whispered softly, as if speaking directly to the ground itself.

A small green root poked through the soil, its faint glow catching her eye. It pulsed, glowing ever so slightly, as if in response to her words. The connection between her and the World Tree flared, almost humming with a distant knowledge.

"Can you tell me which way Noah went?" she murmured, her heart pounding as she watched the root slowly shift, pointing towards the forest in the distance, the path leading toward a looming mountain.

Claire returned, dusting off her hands. "Any luck on figuring out where they went?" she asked, noticing the far-off look in Nova’s eyes.

"It’s faint," Nova replied, standing up and brushing the dirt from her hands. "But do you know if there are any caves or buildings around here? Somewhere they might have gone to hide?"

Claire paused, her expression shifting to one of thought as she scanned the nearby horizon. "There is something," she began slowly, her eyes narrowing. "An old coal mine. It’s just past the base of that mountain... Mount Zeil. We were actually going to start some research on it soon."

Nova’s pulse quickened at the mention of the coal mine. The thought of Noah trapped somewhere underground sent a shiver through her. "That has to be where he is," she said, urgency clear in her voice. "We need to get there. Now."

"Let’s go," Nova said, already stepping toward the forest, her determination propelling her forward. She moved with purpose, following the subtle guidance of the glowing root, which still pointed unerringly in the direction of the mountain.

Claire didn’t hesitate, nodding as she quickly fell in step beside Nova. Together they ventured into the thickening woods, the sound of leaves crunching under their boots the only noise in the otherwise tense silence. The further they walked, the more the sense of foreboding grew. Faint growls echoed from deep within the forest, their source unknown, but they pressed on, refusing to be deterred.

As the forest thinned out and the rugged base of the mountain came into view, the entrance to the coal mine appeared, a dark and jagged wound in the earth. A flickering light from within cast long, eerie shadows across the entrance, the faint glow shifting with the wind.

Nova felt a sudden warmth pulse from within her pouch—the enchanted stone she had brought with her. Its gentle heat urged her forward, as though it, too, was attuned to Noah’s location.

"Ready?" Claire whispered, her hand hovering near the gun holstered at her side, her body tense and alert.

Nova glanced at her, her own heart hammering in her chest, but her resolve unwavering. "Ready," she replied, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her insides.

Together, they stepped into the coal mine’s gaping maw, leaving the daylight behind. The air inside was thick with dust and the lingering scent of damp earth. Shadows danced along the walls, and the oppressive darkness seemed to close in around them as they ventured deeper, their senses on high alert, searching for any sign of Noah—or any lurking danger that might await.

—Noah’s POV— Two Hours Earlier—

They sprinted through the dark cave as fast as their legs would carry them, the rhythmic pounding of footsteps behind them drawing closer with every second. Noah’s heart pounded in his chest, panic rising as he urged himself to move faster. We have to outrun them... we have to get out of here, his thoughts raced alongside the adrenaline surging through him.

The ground beneath them was slick with moisture, but solid enough to keep their pace steady. Still, the cave’s damp walls echoed the shouts of their pursuers. "Clear here! This way!" the voices reverberated ominously from behind, spurring them to push harder.

Ahead, the tunnel forked into two paths. "Which way?" Jade’s voice cut through the darkness, breathless and strained as she glanced between the two routes.

Noah was about to point right when something caught his eye—a faintly glowing green root, twisting toward the left-hand path, almost as if beckoning them.

"Left," he said without hesitation, guiding them down the passageway, trusting the mysterious sign. They ran, their laboured breaths bouncing off the walls, the dim glow from their flashlights casting long shadows in the cave’s eerie silence.

"Keep moving!" Noah urged, glancing over his shoulder. The flickering shadows behind them were closing in, their pursuers drawing ever closer. But the root, still faintly pulsing with a strange, guiding energy, reassured him.

"Are you sure this is the right way?" Jade gasped, her voice edged with panic.

Noah nodded, trying to maintain his composure despite the fear gnawing at him. "I can feel it. We’re on the right track—just keep going!"

They turned another corner, the tunnel narrowing as rocks jutted from the ground, making their path more treacherous. The sound of rushing water began to fill the air, a stark contrast to the chaos that followed them. Noah’s senses heightened, his eyes scanning the walls and the ground, searching for anything that could help them escape.

Suddenly, the passage opened into a larger chamber. Their flashlights flickered against the shimmering surface of a pool of water that sat in the centre of the room, casting an eerie glow around them. Noah’s heart hammered in his chest—this could be their way out, or a dead end.

"Should we stop here?" Jade asked, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she glanced toward the pool.

"No," Noah said quickly, eyes sweeping the chamber. "We have to keep moving." His gaze landed on the root again, still glowing, now pointing toward a narrow passage on the far side of the chamber. It was their only shot.

The sound of splashing footsteps echoed behind them, growing louder, too close for comfort. "They’re almost here!" Noah’s voice was laced with urgency as he bolted toward the passageway, motioning for Jade to follow.

They reached the entrance just as the unmistakable sound of footsteps splashing into the water behind them sent a jolt of fear through Noah’s spine. Without a second thought, he ducked into the narrow passage, pushing forward despite the tight space and jagged rocks that tore at their clothing.

"We need to move faster," Noah panted, glancing at Jade, who looked equally exhausted but kept pushing. They reached a section where the path narrowed even further, barely wide enough for one person at a time.

Jade was the first to squeeze through, her figure disappearing into the shadows of the tunnel ahead. Noah moved to follow, but just as he did—

Crack!

The deafening sound of a gunshot rang out, echoing violently off the cave walls. Noah instinctively flinched, pressing himself against the rocky surface as bits of stone exploded next to his head.

Crack!

Another shot. This time, pain erupted in his arm, a burning sensation searing through his flesh. He bit back a cry of pain, feeling the warmth of blood soaking through his sleeve. The bullet had grazed him, but the fiery sting left him disoriented for a split second.

"Go!" he shouted, gritting his teeth and clutching his wounded arm. "Get to cover!" He pressed himself tighter against the rocky wall as more shots rang out, narrowly missing him. His pulse quickened—he was running out of time.

His eyes fell to the ground again, desperately searching for the root that had guided them this far. There it was—still glowing, still pointing toward safety, urging him forward despite the pain radiating through his arm.

Noah cursed under his breath, forcing himself to move despite the wound. He couldn’t afford to slow down. He ducked into the narrow passage after Jade, his breath coming in short, sharp gasps as he pushed himself to keep going.

Behind him, the sudden sound of screams echoed through the cavern. The pursuing footsteps stumbled, and faltered—something had gone wrong for their enemies. Noah didn’t know what, but he didn’t stop to find out. All that mattered was getting them both out of there.

The darkness of the tunnel stretched on before them, but Noah’s resolve hardened. He would find a way out, and they would survive. One way or another.

—Nova’s POV Two hours Earlier—

Nova and Claire walked cautiously through the twisting tunnels, their footsteps echoing off the damp stone walls. Dim light flickered from Claire’s flashlight, casting fleeting shadows that danced eerily around them. White arrows painted along the walls guided their way forward, while red crossed arrows marked tunnels spiralling into darkness.

The silence between them was palpable, broken only by the soft drip of water from the ceiling. Their movements were slow, deliberate, as if any sudden noise might wake something slumbering deep within the earth.

They hadn’t spoken in what felt like hours when something beneath their feet caught Nova’s attention. She halted, crouching down to examine what lay before them. Dark, leathery skin—weathered, almost like old, shed scales—was stretched across the tunnel floor.

“What is that?” Claire whispered, kneeling beside her, her breath shallow.

Nova hesitated before brushing her fingers lightly against the texture. “It’s not from any animal I know,” she murmured, standing up. "And it’s not fresh. Whatever left this... it was here a while ago."

A shiver crawled down her spine. Something about the remnants felt ominous, like a lingering presence. She exchanged a wary glance with Claire, who seemed equally unsettled.

“We need to keep moving,” Claire said, her voice low but filled with urgency.

Nova nodded, but her gaze lingered on the strange skin for a moment longer. Something was here, she thought, her unease growing. Or worse—something is still here.

They continued onward, their footsteps quieter, more deliberate. The tunnel seemed to grow darker, the oppressive shadows pressing in around them as they ventured deeper into the unknown. Claire’s flashlight flickered, its narrow beam barely cutting through the gloom.

As they reached another split in the tunnel, the familiar white arrow guided them to the left. They followed it in tense silence, the weight of the tunnels around them feeling heavier with every step. It felt as though the darkness was watching them, waiting.

Out of nowhere, Claire broke the silence. “How long have you been seeing my brother?”

The question caught Nova so off guard that she nearly tripped, catching herself against the cold stone wall. “I’m sorry, what?” she stammered, glancing over at Claire, who looked at her with a mixture of curiosity and seriousness.

“You and Noah,” Claire repeated, her voice casual but probing. “How long have you two been together?”

Nova blinked, completely thrown. “Uh... we’re not—well, it’s not like that. We’re not dating,” she answered, her heart beating a little faster. Is this really the time for this conversation? she thought, trying to regain her focus.

Claire raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. “Right. You’re telling me you’re out here, risking your neck for a guy you’re just ‘friends’ with?”

Nova felt her face flush slightly, her words catching in her throat. “We’re... just friends,” she said quickly, her gaze fixed ahead, determined to avoid Claire’s piercing look. “Nothing else.”

“Sure,” Claire hummed softly, the tone of disbelief clear in her voice. But she didn’t push the subject any further, much to Nova’s relief.

They continued walking in silence, but the air felt thicker now, as if the shadows themselves were closing in on them. After what felt like an eternity, the tunnel opened into a larger chamber. The weak light from Claire’s flashlight reflected off a small pool of water in the center, the ripples distorting their reflections.

But it wasn’t the water that caught their attention. Dark spots, scattered across the floor, stained the stone unevenly. Blood. Fresh blood.

The metallic scent hung in the air, making Nova’s stomach twist. Claire knelt beside the stains, her hand hovering just above the ground. “This is fresh,” she whispered, her voice tense. “They were here... not too long ago.”

Nova’s heart thudded in her chest as she scanned the chamber, her grip tightening on the pouch of magical items at her side. “Then we’re close,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. But so are they.

The weight of the room settled around them like a thick fog, the darkness pressing in from all sides. Nova’s senses heightened as her pulse quickened—something was near. Whether it was the people they were chasing or something else entirely, she couldn’t tell. But whatever it was, they needed to be ready.

As they stood in the eerie silence, the shadows seemed to shift, and Nova couldn’t shake the feeling that they weren’t alone. Something—or someone—was watching.

-{POV Unknown}-

She followed her human and the younger female through the tunnels, her senses attuned to every flicker of movement and every slight shift in the mana-rich air. The small pulses of energy from a green root caught her attention, stirring an odd sense of curiosity within her. Each pulse felt like a heartbeat, connecting her to the world around her.

But then, amidst the quiet, she picked up something. The metal men—those with their screeching weapons—were communicating. Their voices were faint echoes, bouncing off the cold stone walls. Though she couldn’t fully grasp their words, the meaning pierced her core like a strike of lightning. It was a language of threats, a promise of harm.

The scent of blood filled her nose, rich with mana. Panic washed over her as she felt the connection to her human tighten. Something triggered a deep, primal instinct inside her. Her heart, still thumping, felt different—each beat resonated with a newfound power surging through her veins.

Then came the rage, blooming like wildfire inside her soul. It wasn't just anger; it was a fierce determination to protect what was hers. A low growl rumbled from her throat, and her scales rippled with the heat of fury. Claws, newly formed and sharp, scraped against the stone as she moved with renewed purpose.

Memories flashed through her mind—echoes of a time when she was vulnerable, hunted, alone. No more. She had fought to survive and had learned the bitter lessons of betrayal and danger. Now, the strange urge to protect surged within her, pulling her ever closer to her human. He was in danger—her human was threatened.

And that, she could not allow.

—Nova’s POV—

They moved carefully through the narrow tunnel, droplets of blood staining the ground like grim breadcrumbs.

“Someone got injured here,” Claire whispered, her voice barely above a murmur as she knelt to inspect the crimson spots.

Nova’s heart raced at the sight. The thought of Noah being hurt sent a wave of anxiety through her. “We need to keep moving,” she urged, her gaze darting down the dark corridor that seemed to stretch endlessly ahead.

As they ventured deeper, the walls grew damp and slick, echoing the sound of their footsteps. The faint light from Claire’s flashlight flickered against the rough stone, revealing strange markings that looked almost like claw marks. Nova’s pulse quickened. These weren’t signs of any ordinary creature.

They emerged into a larger chamber, where dim light revealed rusted equipment and remnants of machinery scattered across the ground. Old tracks ran along the edges, disappearing into shadowy corners beyond the reach of their light.

“Look at this place,” Nova breathed, glancing at the crumbling remnants of what must have once been a bustling mineshaft. “I didn’t know there was a mining operation here.”

Claire stepped forward, eyes scanning the rusted tools and broken carts. “It’s been abandoned for years,” she said. “We were going to research it, but...” Her voice trailed off, worry deepening the furrow in her brow.

In the back of the chamber, a large, weathered mine cart lay tipped over, its contents spilling out like forgotten relics. Old helmets, cracked lanterns, and bits of rusted metal told stories of those who had once toiled here.

“What if Noah came through here?” Nova wondered aloud, her heart pounding. “He might have taken shelter.”

Claire nodded, her expression grim. “We should check the area, but be cautious. We don’t know who else might be down here.”

They continued their search, eyes scanning every corner for signs of Noah. The room was silent except for the faint sound of dripping water and the soft scrape of their boots against the stone floor. The further they ventured, the more suffocating the atmosphere became, thick with unease.

Claire’s eyes narrowed as she pointed ahead. “Look, there's a shed up there.”

They rushed over, pushing open the creaking wooden door, only to find a room filled with decaying wood and remnants of old mining supplies. Dust hung heavy in the air, disturbed by their movements.

“Doesn’t look like he was here,” Claire muttered, turning away.

“Wait,” Nova said, her gaze fixed on something in the corner. “What’s that on the ground?”

Claire shined her light over the area, revealing a torn piece of clothing stained with blood.

Claire crouched down, the beam of her flashlight illuminating the fabric. “This could be his,” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. The sight of the blood sent a chill through her.

Nova knelt beside her, her fingers brushing the fabric. “It looks fresh,” she said, glancing at Claire. “We have to keep looking. He could be close.”

They both stood, their eyes scanning the room for any further clues. Claire’s gaze landed on the rusted tools lining the walls, relics of a time long forgotten. “Do you think there’s anything useful here?” she asked, running her fingers along a corroded pickaxe.

“Maybe,” Nova replied, her mind racing. “But something about this place feels wrong. We need to stay alert.”

Just then, a faint noise echoed through the mineshaft—a soft scraping against the stone. Both women froze, exchanging a tense glance.

“What was that?” Claire whispered, her grip tightening on the flashlight.

“I don’t know,” Nova said, her voice barely above a whisper. “It could be an animal... or something else.”

The tension between them was thick, unspoken but mutual. Claire motioned toward the door, her expression set. “Let’s check it out.”

They crept back into the main passage, the darkness pressing in around them. Every sound seemed amplified—the soft drip of water, the occasional creak of old wood. Nova’s heart raced, her senses on high alert.

“Noah, are you here?” Claire called softly, her voice carrying down the long, abandoned tunnel.

The only reply was the hollow echo of her voice and the distant drip of water. The oppressive silence settled in once more, thick and suffocating.

As they advanced, a faint, shimmering glow caught their attention. It was barely noticeable, emanating from a thin crack in the wall, like something hidden beneath the rock itself was glowing.

“Do you see that?” Claire whispered, her eyes wide with wonder as she edged closer to the mysterious light.

Nova nodded, stepping cautiously forward. Whatever it was, it felt out of place—unnatural in this forgotten, crumbling mine. The glow flickered faintly, beckoning them to investigate, but every instinct told Nova to be wary.

“Yes,” Nova replied, her heart racing. “It looks like... ore, but unlike anything I’ve seen before.”

As they got closer, the ore revealed itself as a vibrant green, pulsating with energy. It was embedded deep in the rock, surrounded by veins of a darker material that shimmered with an otherworldly sheen.

“This could be significant,” Claire murmured, awe and caution blending in her voice. She quickly pried off a piece and placed it in her pocket, securing it in a small plastic bag before preparing to move on.

Sensing the importance of the find, Nova stealthily reached out and carefully extracted a small piece of the glowing ore herself. It felt warm against her skin, sending a pulse of energy through her fingers. She quickly tucked it into her pouch, making sure it was secure.

Just as they both began to breathe a sigh of relief, a deep rumble echoed through the mine, causing dust to cascade from the ceiling.

“Let’s move!” Nova urged, feeling a powerful instinct to protect the magical ore and whatever secrets it might hold.

As they hurried through the mine, the ground trembled again, more violently this time. A surge of energy pulsed through the air, and Nova instinctively grabbed Claire’s arm.

“Something’s happening!” she shouted just as the walls around them began to crack and groan.

Suddenly, a thick, vibrant green root burst through the floor, expanding rapidly as if fueled by the very mana that saturated the air. The energy was chaotic, sending stones crashing down from above.

“Run!” Claire yelled, her voice barely audible over the deafening collapse of rock and shifting earth.

They sprinted toward the exit, but it was too late. The ground gave way beneath them, and they plunged into darkness, the last remnants of light fading as they fell deeper into the mine.

When they finally landed, they found themselves in a vast cavern, its walls illuminated by glowing crystals that cast eerie shadows. Nova groaned waking up after the fall, she had a few cuts scapes but was okay, pushing herself up, her heart pounding.

She noticed Claire was in about the same condense as her.

-{World Tree POV}-

The World Tree felt its energy spike once again as it funnelled mana down through its roots into the ley lines beneath. It strained to drain the excess quickly enough, the surges invigorating its leaves, yet the looming danger persisted.

The initial surge that caused this instability had long passed, but now, its roots had encountered a rare and powerful substance: World Crystals. The mana they held was overwhelming, and without its caretaker present, the tree was left to face this new challenge on its own.

Time was running out. The tree extended its roots further, desperately searching for Noah, but the dense rock and soil slowed its progress. The urge to strengthen and expand its roots surged within it, prompting a powerful wave of mana to pulse through the ground. Its roots thickened and grew, pushing far beyond their former limits.

As it absorbed more mana, the tree became acutely aware of the escalating urgency. It had to release this excess energy into the ley lines before it became too unstable. But no matter how much mana it siphoned off, it was replenished almost instantly. The World Tree yearned for its caretaker’s guidance, sensing that without it, this next phase of growth would spiral out of control.