Chapter 74: The Reckless Idea
The wind howled low and sharp, like the whisper of a blade drawn slowly from its sheath. The leaves rustled frantically above, trembling as if warning of something wicked tearing through the skies.
The Great Storm Tree, towering like a deity carved by nature itself, stood proud and unwavering at the heart of it all, its massive canopy rippling like a sea of green fire beneath the growing tension of the storm.
Kael stood before it, eyes narrowed, head tilted upward, feeling the charged air hum against his skin. His dark clothes fluttered, tugged by the wild wind.
The moon above was already veiled behind drifting clouds that thickened by the minute, and the stars, one by one, blinked out, like frightened children hiding from a monster.
His companions stood nearby, eyes cast toward the sky, their bodies tense. Even Jon and Seth, beings of monstrous size, had their ears folded and tails still.
Everyone in the Valoran Wilds knew about the tales of Great Storm Tree and every children was scared by them.
Kiona’s brows creased with unease, her hands clutched tightly in front of her chest as her eyes darted from Kael to the tree and back again.
Rias stood silently, her long jacket fluttering behind her. Her gaze was unreadable but sharp, tracking every activity in the surroundings.
Kael exhaled softly. The pressure in the air wasn’t just environmental, it felt like the heavens themselves had locked their gaze upon them.
"It’s almost here..." he murmured. "I just hope it’s not some Demi-God descending here."
The others looked toward him.