Damian’s eyes softened, but his expression remained unreadable. "It’s your test," he said quietly. "If you pass... I will tell you something. About the map."
He was about to leave when I urged him "Did you leave the necklace knowingly?"
He stopped, his back still turned. “It’s where it belongs now,” he said softly. "And the map too," and with that, he vanished into the forest, swallowed by the shadows.
I stood there, dazed, still trying to process everything when I heard footsteps approaching.
“Eva!” Kai’s voice cut through the silence, filled with worry. He rushed toward me, his eyes widening when he saw my state. Behind him, Lia, Jin, and Ron appeared, but Kai waved them off quickly.
“Go. Leave us,” he said, his voice tight. He knelt beside me, his eyes scanning my face with concern
