Gravemire didn't know.
Not yet.
There were no alarms. No explosions.
But Rina knew one thing: Something was growing underground, and their time was running out.
Rina, Elias, and Klik stood in front of an old map of Gravemire, pulled from the construction archives before the foundations of the city were laid.
"He wouldn't do the unification in a public area," Rina said.
"Arven needs a place that's forgotten. Quiet. But still able to sustain spiritual energy."
Klik pointed to a section circled in faint red.
"Old underground drainage tunnel. Locked since the first year. Remains of collapsed foundations and failed ritual altars."
Rina narrowed her eyes. "That's the place."
Elias reached for his coat and gloves.
His eyes were dark. There was no hesitation.
"I'll go in first. If I call, you follow. But if I don't—do not disturb."
Rina stared at him for a long moment.
"Are you still connected to him?"
Elias nodded. "Enough… to know he hasn't fully chosen."
