Candice did not like waiting.

She stood at the mouth of the stone path with her arms crossed, eyes narrowed as she stared at Arlan’s broad back while he walked ahead of her, lantern in hand. The deeper they went, the cooler the air became.

The cave walls shimmered faintly with embedded crystals, casting muted reflections of pale blue and silver light. It was quiet. Too quiet for her liking.

“You said he’s in meditation,” Candice said, breaking the silence. “That usually means ...