Maelor-Serik arrived in the Valley two days later.
Varos didn't come with him.
Damon noticed that before the Transfer had even finished opening. On the other side stood only Maelor-Serik, wearing the same simple clothes as during their last conversation and holding a small bag in one hand. No uniform, no visible weapon, and no Order agents waiting behind him. Aria remained near the Transfer structure only to ensure the passage remained stable, while Damon watched Maelor step through and stop as soon as his feet touched the Valley's soil.
The effect was immediate.
Not on his body.
On Eir.
The forest grew quiet in a way Damon had already learned to recognize. Not an absence of life, but attention. Leaves still moved in the wind, small animals remained hidden among the trees, and water flowed somewhere farther away, yet the roots near the passage ceased all movement.
Maelor-Serik noticed.
"She's watching me."
"Yes."
"Should that worry me?"
Damon thought for a moment.
