They followed a path through roots and bones until the forest gave way to a river—black as ink, with no current.
"No bridge?" Kael asked.
Elara shook her head. "Only ferrymen. But they don't take coin."
The boat approached, silent. The man steering it wore no face.
"What does he want?" Kael whispered.
Elara handed him something—a single tear.
Kael stared.
The ferryman nodded and held out his hand to Kael.
He had nothing to give.
But then… the pendant pulsed once and offered a single drop of light.
The ferryman accepted it.