Kai hit the ground with a rough thud, rolling over as Aiko landed beside him. Both groaned, coughing in the dust.

  For a long moment, they just lay there, chests heaving, the sound of dripping water echoing through the vast underground chamber.

  Kai sat up first, wincing. “Ow… that was — and awful…”

  Aiko let out a tired breath, shaking her head. “You’re impossible, Kai…”

  Around them, the space was quiet — no skittering claws, no lurking shadows. Just cool, damp air and the soft, distant glow of strange crystals embedded in the walls.

  They sat down against a boulder, their backs resting on the cool stone. For the first time since they were reunited, they allowed themselves to relax.

  Kai turned his light-blue eyes to his sister, curiosity bubbling through his exhaustion.

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  “Aiko… what do you know about this forest? Why is it so… weird?”

  Aiko leaned her head back, closing her eyes for a moment before answering.

  “This forest… it’s ancient. Even the elders in the Water Clan say it’s alive — filled with old magic, old creatures.” She opened her eyes, voice lowering. “It’s a place of power. And danger. That’s why the clans warn us to stay out.”

  Kai frowned. “Then why was I called into it?”

  Aiko’s brows drew together. “Called?”

  Kai drew his knees up, hugging them slightly. “Back at the house… I heard your voice. Calling me from outside. But when I went out, you weren’t there. And then…” His voice grew small. “The walls were scratched. The room was a mess. And I ran. I kept hearing the voice, and it sounded like you…”

  He hesitated, then added in a whisper, “And… I saw something. A figure — like a monster — in the house. That’s why I ran.”

  Aiko stiffened.

  “Kai,” she said slowly, “that… wasn’t me.”

  The air around them seemed to chill.

  Kai’s breath caught. “…Then what was it?”

  Aiko’s hand closed tightly around her kunai.

  For a moment, they were both quiet — listening to the quiet heartbeat of the cavern.

  And somewhere deep in the shadows, far beyond their reach, something watched and waited.

  Author’s Note (After the Chapter)

  even crazier from here…

  — Author ??