The silver shimmer marking the Hybrids' exit had barely faded before Naena turned her back to the Circle of Resonance. Her long robes whispered over the ancient stone as she walked past Kaelen and the others without a word. She paused beside Eirana.
"Take them to the West Hollow," she murmured low, her voice sharp and precise. "It's shielded, warm, and far enough for them to rest… but close enough for me to call if needed."
Eirana hesitated. "What about the—?"
Naena's eyes glinted. "Leave the Elves to me."
Eirana nodded and gestured for the others to follow her. Several Nullcarver tribesmen took position around the group, not out of mistrust, but as a show of guidance and respect.
Kaelen gave one last glance toward the towering statues of the Seven Juggernauts before following Eirana into the side corridor, the resonance in his body still faintly humming like an ancient furnace waiting to ignite.
