Eva didn't answer immediately.
She simply stepped away from the railing, giving a short nod for Kael to follow. They walked away from the port, leaving behind the noise of the docks and the strong smell of salt and wet wood. The streets grew narrower, then less busy, until the sounds of the city began to fade into something distant, almost irrelevant.
"Where are we going?" Kael asked, breaking the silence.
"A place that almost no one knows," Eva replied. "And those who know it… respect it."
She passed through a small stone arch covered in ivy, almost invisible between two old buildings. On the other side, a narrow path descended gently, flanked by tall, dense trees. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating vibrant patterns on the ground.
Kael felt the air change again.
"Mana…" he murmured. "The flow here is different."
Eva gave him a quick glance.
"You noticed quickly."
"He's focused," he continued. "But not aggressive. He's… calm."
