The Heartwood Crystal

The group returned to the Grove of Whispers, the final stop for the heartwood crystal. The air was warm, smelling of earth and flowers. The grove’s trees glowed, their branches swaying like they were alive. Akira felt a tingle, remembering his first day in Greenwood, stepping out of a glowing light right here.

Miren met them, her dad beside her. “The oldest tree’s over there,” she said, pointing to a huge oak, its trunk wide and covered in moss. “The crystal’s inside, but it needs magic to come out.”

Elara nodded, her hands already glowing. “I’ll try,” she said, but her face was pale. She’d been practicing hard, and the ritual’s magic was heavy.

Akira touched her shoulder. “Don’t push too hard, okay?”

She smiled, but her eyes were determined. “I’m doing this for you and your mom.”

She chanted, her voice soft, as light flowed from her hands into the tree. The oak shimmered, and a small, clear crystal dropped into her palm. Elara swayed, and Akira caught her, holding her steady. “You did it,” he said, worry mixing with pride.

“I’m okay,” she said, breathing hard. “Just need rest.”

Liora took the crystal, wrapping it in cloth. “That’s all three—starbloom, moonstone, crystal. You two are unstoppable.”

Kael clapped Akira’s back. “Your mom’s lucky to have you fighting for her.”

Back in the village, the cottage for Akira’s mom was almost done. Vines wove through oak walls, and a wooden door gleamed with carvings of leaves. Miren showed them inside, the air smelling of fresh wood. “It’s ready for her,” she said.

Akira’s eyes stung. “This is perfect. Thank you.”

That night, he and Elara sat by the new cottage, the village quiet. Stars shone above, the double moons growing closer. Akira thought of his mom, her hands rough from farm work, her warm hugs. “She’ll love this place,” he said. “She can teach us how to store crops for winter, maybe grow new plants.”

Elara leaned against him, her voice soft. “I’ll teach her our magic, our herbs. She’ll be family.”

Akira held her close, feeling her heartbeat. “You’re risking so much for this ritual. I don’t know how to thank you.”

“You don’t have to,” she said. “I love you, Akira. I want you happy, with your mom here.”

“I love you too,” he said, kissing her gently. The ritual was days away, and the book might burn up, but with Elara, the village, and his mom’s future home ready, Akira felt ready to face it all.