The seed Cecilion had planted—subtle, calculated, carefully nurtured in the form of harmless suggestions and veiled promises—bloomed almost instantly.
What began as a playful dare around the bonfire had evolved into something more compelling, something none of them could quite resist. The idea of making a wish come true.
The lure of something ancient, hidden, and possibly magical. And now, like characters bound by an unseen thread, they moved together toward the forest, the promise of the cabin drawing them in like moths to a flame.
Naturally, it was Cecilion who led the way.
He strode ahead with purpose, shoes crunching against the leafy path as though he were simply humoring the idea and not the mastermind behind it. On his left was Zixuan, her movements graceful yet restrained.
She walked just half a step behind him, allowing him to lead—but only for now. And on his right, clinging gently to his arm with a serene smile, was Paige.
