Chapter 42: Diamond is unbreakable
The stag lowered its magnificent head in what was unmistakably a bow of acknowledgment, a gesture of respect from a being of immense power to those who had shown kindness to its young.
Then the air around both deer began to shimmer as countless leaves materialized from nothing, swirling in tightening spirals around the family.
More and more foliage appeared until they were completely obscured in a whirlwind of green leaves.
When the leaves finally scattered on an unfelt breeze, the stag and its offspring had vanished completely, leaving only a patch of unnaturally perfect grass where they had stood.
"What... what was that?" Leya’s voice cracked with residual terror, her legs still trembling from the encounter.
"I don’t know," Mitch admitted, though his mind was already turning to his Divine Luck achievement.
"Should... should we check inside?" His own voice carried the shakiness of someone whose adrenaline was still flooding his system, but curiosity was already warring with caution.
The passage the stag had created led to a small chamber that felt almost mundane after their supernatural encounter.
Rough wooden planks formed walls around a simple but cozy space. A bed with clean linens occupied one corner, while a basic wooden table and chair suggested someone had once used this as a retreat or hideaway.
But their attention was immediately drawn to the far wall, where a chest unlike any they had ever seen waited for them.
"Is that...?" Leya’s voice trailed off in wonder.
"Diamond," Mitch confirmed, his own voice hushed with awe.