Magnolia’s footfall echoed through the halls of the abandoned dragon forge, the sound swallowed by the vastness of the ancient structure. The air was thick, heavy with a strange energy that seemed to vibrate against her skin. She had left *Wildflower* without telling anyone, slipping away with only her thoughts and the hum of the forge guiding her steps.

Her eyes scanned the walls, each one carved with intricate, flowing patterns that glimmered faintly, as if alive. It was beautiful and alien, the architecture distinctly draconic yet somehow familiar, as though it had been waiting for her—or someone like her—to come.

Magnolia's hand brushed against a pillar, its surface cool and smooth under her fingertips, but it thrummed faintly with life. The glyphs etched into the stone shifted when she touched it, rearranging into shapes and words she couldn’t quite decipher. Her gaze drifted upward, following the glowing lines that stretched far into the ceiling, spiraling into a dome adorned with what looked like constellations.

Her heart raced. "What is this place?" she murmured to herself, her voice barely audible over the subtle hum that filled the forge.

The Pets followed silently at a distance, their movements almost imperceptible. Rahim walked at the head of the group, his golden eyes sharp and watchful. Behind him, Sira’s quiet steps were measured, her gaze darting between Magnolia and the surroundings, her every movement tense and ready. Eryon stayed close to the youngest of the crew, his youthful curiosity tempered by the weight of the forge’s ancient aura. Thyren was at the rear, his imposing form a silent sentinel.

“This isn’t just any forge,” Lirael whispered, her voice soft but carrying an undeniable authority. “It’s alive. It feels us.”

Magnolia stopped abruptly, turning to face the group. “What do you mean, alive?” she asked, her voice steady despite the uncertainty swirling within her.

Rahim stepped forward, his expression unreadable. “This is a dragon forge, Magnolia. Forged by the ancients, a place where draconic magic shaped weapons, armor, and relics of immense power. They are not simply tools—they are living extensions of the ones who created them.”

Magnolia’s brow furrowed. “And why am I here? Why does it feel like… it knows me?”

“You’re connected,” Lirael said, stepping closer, her voice gentle. “Through the Wildflower, through your blood, your magic. The forge knows. It remembers.”

Before Magnolia could respond, a low, resonant sound reverberated through the chamber. It wasn’t threatening—it was a greeting, a call.

The Pets froze, their gazes locking on Magnolia. “It’s calling you,” Rahim said, his tone laced with reverence. “You need to answer.”

Magnolia swallowed hard, her heart pounding. “And if I don’t?”

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“You already have,” Liora said softly, her glowing eyes fixed on Magnolia.

The hum of the forge deepened, and before her, the floor began to shift, a pathway of light forming beneath her feet, leading deeper into the ancient structure.

Magnolia took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. She turned back to the path, her voice steady as she said, “Then let’s see where it leads.”

Magnolia continued along her path, her footsteps steady but cautious as she moved deeper into the heart of the forge. The air grew warmer, almost alive with energy, and the walls glowed faintly in response to her presence. It felt as though the forge was guiding her, clearing a path that only she was meant to take.

She paused at a juncture where the corridor split into three, the floor beneath her feet humming softly. A moment later, the light along the walls brightened to the left, drawing her attention like a beacon. She hesitated, her fingers brushing the smooth surface of the nearest wall. It was warm, almost comforting, as if the forge itself were whispering assurances that she was on the right track.

Behind her, the Pets followed in silence, their usual banter replaced by a quiet intensity. Rahim took the lead, his movements purposeful, his sharp eyes scanning every corner as though expecting danger at any moment. Sira was close behind, her gaze flitting from wall to wall, her quick mind piecing together the patterns etched into the ancient structure.

“This place is alive,” Sira murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s watching her. It’s... waiting.”

“For what?” Eryon asked, his youthful curiosity tinged with unease. He kept close to Viera, whose calm presence seemed to steady him.

“For her,” Rahim answered simply, his tone leaving no room for doubt. “It’s always been waiting for her.”

Magnolia didn’t respond. She couldn’t. There was a pull, an undeniable draw to keep moving forward, as if something—or someone—was calling to her. The air thickened around her as she stepped through an archway into a massive chamber. The space was unlike anything she’d ever seen, its vaulted ceiling glittering with what looked like stars, its floor etched with glowing, serpentine lines that pulsed faintly in time with her heartbeat.

At the center of the chamber stood a pedestal, its surface smooth and unmarked, save for a single indentation—a perfect fit for the small orb she carried. Magnolia’s breath caught in her throat as the realization settled over her.

“This is why we’re here,” she whispered, clutching the orb tightly. Her voice echoed faintly in the chamber, the forge itself seeming to acknowledge her words.

The Pets fanned out, taking positions around the room. Rahim and Thyren stood closest to her, their stances protective. Sira and Lirael moved to the edges, their sharp eyes scanning for threats. Eryon lingered near Viera, his youthful curiosity now tempered by the gravity of the moment.

“What happens when you place it?” Rahim asked, his voice low and steady.

Magnolia glanced at him, then back at the pedestal. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “But I think... I think it’s been waiting for this for a long time.”

She stepped forward, the orb warm in her hands, its surface pulsing faintly in response to the forge’s energy. Behind her, the Pets exchanged a glance, a silent agreement passing between them. Whatever happened next, they were ready.

Magnolia placed the orb into the pedestal.

The chamber came alive.