The damp air of the cave clung to Kael’s skin like a second layer, heavy with the scent of minerals and moss. His boots echoed softly as he moved deeper into the heart of the earth, guided only by the narrow beam of his flashlight. He’d been down here for hours—mapping the walls, tracing carvings, and feeling the almost magnetic pull of something ancient just ahead.

Then the ground betrayed him.

One loose step, and the world tilted. The edge beneath his foot crumbled silently into a void. Kael didn’t scream. He grunted as he fell—arms flailing, stone flashing past him like a blur. Then—impact.

His body hit the ground hard. Pain lanced through his ribs, something cracked. His right leg twisted under him unnaturally. His flashlight clattered away, its beam flickering out like a dying star. Darkness swallowed him whole.

Groaning, Kael tried to move. Agony bloomed in his side, but something else caught his attention—light. Not artificial, not the torch. This was green, warm, ethereal. He blinked.

And realized he wasn’t alone.

He was lying in a hidden hollow—a colossal underground sanctuary filled with glowing moss, luminous flowers, and soft green vines that pulsed faintly like veins of light. The air was sweet, vibrant, like a living breath. Water trickled in the distance, and the floral scent was intoxicating.

Then—movement.

From between two twisted vines, she appeared like a vision summoned by the cave itself.

She was otherworldly. Tall and willowy, with impossibly long hair that shimmered like spun gold and brushed against her hips as she ran. Her eyes were luminous hazel, wide with concern, glowing with a soft light in the green hue around them. Her dress looked woven from leaves, gemstones, and petals—living art that moved with her like nature had grown it just for her form. She looked like she belonged here, as if this hidden place was her kingdom.

Kael stared, blood staining his lip. His breathing ragged.

She dropped to her knees beside him, eyes scanning his broken form, hands gentle but swift.