The moment the notification disappeared, Arjun knew their journey had changed.The Sanctuary of Echoes was no longer somewhere beyond the Forbidden Forest.It was somewhere beneath it.Deep inside.And according to the Void Compass, the safest route was the exact opposite of safe.The Heart of the Forbidden Forest.Arjun looked at Aman."How much do you know about that place?"Aman's expression became serious."Enough to know that we shouldn't go there.""That's not helpful.""It's the truth."Aman pointed toward the darkness ahead."Three years before the apocalypse in the previous cycle, I entered that forest."Arjun's eyes narrowed."And?""I never reached the center.""Why?""Because everyone who went with me died."Silence followed.Luna looked at the trees surrounding them."Everyone?"<

The Sanctuary shook.Dust fell from the ancient towers.The golden crystal in the center of the underground city cracked again.Arjun stood motionless.The woman inside the crystal was looking directly at him.Not at Luna.Not at Aman.At him.Her golden eyes carried a strange familiarity.Almost as if she had been waiting for him.Arjun tightened his grip on Shadow Edge."What do you mean?"The woman didn't answer.Instead, she slowly raised one hand.The entire underground city reacted.Thousands of ancient symbols appeared across the walls.The five Hunters lowered their heads even further.Even Aman stepped backward.Luna whispered, "Who is she?"The woman finally spoke."I am what remains of the first Vessel."Arjun's eyes narrowed."The first?"She smiled."The fir