Mysterious Ways

Oath limped through the eerie silence of the Alabastrine Shrine, the ivory vines swaying in the faint breeze as though mocking his unsteady gait. His ankle throbbed with each step, the sharp pain a constant reminder of his recent blunder. 'Why did I jump off that ledge?' he muttered to himself, wincing as the memory replayed in his mind. He had been eager to find Atreyu, hoping his sister hadn't strayed too far ahead. In his rush, Oath misjudged the height of the rock face, landing awkwardly and twisting his ankle.

The glowing spring ahead shimmered through the gnarled trees, casting an ethereal light across the ground. Oath's cyan eyes narrowed as he peered through the shadows, searching for any sign of Atreyu. The runes on the surrounding stones pulsed faintly, as if they could sense his arrival, but Oath paid them little mind. His focus was entirely on his sister.

"Atreyu!" he howled out, his voice carrying in the unnatural stillness. The waters bubbled gently, their surface swirling in mesmerizing patterns. He paused by the edge, leaning heavily on his good legs, and stared into the pool. For a moment, his reflection rippled, then shifted. Visions of battles fought and moments of joy with Atreyu flickered in the depths. His heart twisted.

Where was she?

The bioluminescent fish darted around beneath the surface, their glowing trails lighting the water like threads of starlight. Oath sighed, the weight of the past few days heavy on his shoulders. He hadn’t meant to hurt himself, but the frustration of being slowed down gnawed at him. Atreyu was out here somewhere, and no injury would stop him from finding her. Even if it meant crawling through this forsaken place.