The slope led me to a clearing that smelled faintly of frost and cedar, with light pooling in soft, silvery patterns. Pickles hopped along beside me, his tiny wings fluttering as he sent out a mischievous puff of cinnamon smoke. I waved my hand, laughing, and he twirled in the air, trailing little sparks that smelled like a warm bakery.

I sank onto a smooth stone at the edge of the clearing, letting the glow wash over me. Aeris’s presence hummed like a quiet current, brushing my mind with a gentle reminder: The path continues, but for now… rest. Breathe. Remember this moment.

Pickles curled up beside me, tail tucked neatly around his tiny body, nuzzling against my hand. His eyes glimmered with playful curiosity, and I couldn’t help but smile at how much he seemed to understand.

The forest seemed to lean closer, leaves whispering secrets I almost could grasp. And for the first time since I’d entered this frostlight realm, the world felt entirely still—no urgency, no fear, just warmth, anticipation, and a soft, magical hush.

I closed my eyes for a heartbeat, letting everything sink in: the glow, the threads of thought from Aeris, the gentle puff of cinnamon from Pickles. Tomorrow—or the next step—would bring new challenges. But for now, this was enough.

Enough to remember that even in the vast unknown, there could be play, warmth, and a tiny dragon puffing cinnamon smoke at my side.

And with that, I let the forest hold me, knowing that Chapter Three was already reaching its fingers toward me, ready to begin.