Tina's Happy Hounds

31/01/2025

Chapter 31: The Heart of the Riddle.

The North Star’s light shone brighter than ever, casting a golden glow over the celestial expanse. Cecilia stood with Hunter at her side, the amulet in her hand pulsing softly. The air hummed with an energy that felt both ancient and alive.

From a distance, the Guardian’s voice echoed once more. “The balance must be preserved. The light must endure.”

Hunter wagged his tail, his amber eyes steady on Cecilia. She knelt beside him, resting her hand on his head. “It’s us, boy,” she said softly. “It’s always been us.”

The constellations above shifted, their stars aligning into a new pattern. A tree of light stretched across the sky, its branches reaching upward toward the North Star and its roots anchoring deep into the earth. The Guardian’s figure emerged from the shimmering light, his gaze calm and knowing.

“You have done well, Cecilia,” he said. “The riddle has chosen its keeper.”

Cecilia’s breath caught. “Keeper?” she asked. “I thought I was just solving it.”

The Guardian smiled faintly. “The riddle does not end. It is a living force, a bridge between worlds, just as you are. Its light must always have a protector.”

Cecilia glanced at the amulet in her hand. “So, this is it? This is what I’m meant to do?”

“Yes,” the Guardian said. “But the riddle is not a burden. It is a gift—one that will guide you as you guide others.”

Hunter barked softly, nudging Cecilia’s hand. She smiled, her resolve strengthening. “I won’t let it fall into the wrong hands,” she said firmly. “I’ll protect it.”

The Guardian inclined his head. “You are not alone, Cecilia. The riddle’s light has always been with you, and your bond with Hunter will strengthen it. Together, you will ensure the balance endures.”

The constellations above shimmered, and the North Star pulsed brightly, its light enveloping Cecilia and Hunter. A deep sense of peace washed over her, and for a moment, the world felt still.

Then, the light began to fade, and Cecilia found herself standing back in the woods where her journey had begun. The shard-turned-amulet rested against her chest, its glow steady and warm. The forest was quiet, the stars above watching silently.

Hunter barked, wagging his tail as he circled her. Cecilia laughed softly, scratching behind his ears. “We did it, boy,” she said. “But something tells me this isn’t the end.”

From the shadows, a familiar voice called out. “Cecilia!”

She spun around, her heart leaping as Addy trotted into the clearing. The fox’s sharp eyes gleamed, her tail flicking as she approached. “You didn’t think I’d let you finish this without me, did you?” Addy said, her tone playful.

Cecilia knelt, pulling Addy into a hug. “I missed you,” she said. “Are you okay?”

“Better than okay,” Addy replied, her voice softening. “You did it. You found the heart of the riddle.”

Cecilia smiled, glancing at Hunter. “We all did.”

The North Star pulsed faintly above them, its light a steady reminder of what they had accomplished. But as Cecilia looked out into the woods, a new feeling stirred—a sense of possibility, of mysteries still waiting to be uncovered.

Addy tilted her head. “What now?”

Cecilia stood, the amulet glowing faintly against her chest. “Now? We go home,” she said. “But something tells me we’ll be called back when the time is right.”

Hunter barked, his tail wagging as he looked to the path ahead. Cecilia smiled, her heart steady. Together, they turned toward the edge of the forest, ready to step back into their own world.

But as they walked, the faintest whisper carried on the wind: “The light endures. The journey continues.”

30/01/2025

I am always looking to add more to my knowledge and understanding of dog behavior and this is an interesting and complex topic that I wish to learn more about and work more with 😊

30/01/2025

Så blev den danske version at mit blogopslag om ressourceforsvar hos hunde også klar.

Se det her:

Ressourceforsvar er en naturlig adfærd, der stammer fra tidlige overlevelsesinstinkter. I naturen kan et dyr, der mister adgang til mad eller andre vigtige ressourcer, risikere ikke at overleve. Men i et hjemligt miljø vil denne adfærd ofte skabe konflikter med mennesker eller andre dyr i hushold...

30/01/2025

New blog post (also coming in Danish later).

Does your dog guard their valued items, spaces, food, you?

Then have a look at this blog that I just published.

Resource guarding is a behavior that many dog guardians find concerning. It can manifest as a dog growling, snapping, or even biting when someone approaches their food, toys, or personal space. While it may seem like the dog is just being possessive, the reality is far more complex. Resource guardin...

30/01/2025

30/01/2025

Chapter 30: The Truth in the Stars.

The path of stars grew brighter as Cecilia and Hunter approached the glowing sphere of light. The air around them hummed with energy, and the shard in Cecilia’s pocket grew warmer with each step. Hunter stayed close by her side, his steady presence grounding her as the light became almost blinding.

The sphere began to shift as they neared, its surface swirling with golden and silver hues. Then, as Cecilia reached out to touch it, the light exploded outward, filling the space with a radiant glow that left her breathless.

When the light dimmed, they stood in a circular chamber, its walls covered in shimmering constellations. At the center of the room was a pedestal—not for a shard, but for something far more intricate. Resting atop it was a large, luminous orb, its surface glowing with the same golden-silver light as the sphere.

The air grew still, and a voice echoed through the chamber. “You have reached the heart of the riddle. But before it can reveal its truth, you must face your own.”

Cecilia’s pulse quickened as the constellations on the walls began to shift, forming shapes and symbols that felt both familiar and otherworldly. Hunter barked softly, his gaze fixed on the glowing orb.

The voice continued, its tone soft but commanding. “You carry the blood of the ancients, Cecilia. Those who walked between worlds, who served as bridges between the human and the magical, the natural and the divine.”

Cecilia froze, her breath catching. “The druids,” she whispered. “That’s what I am.”

The constellations shifted again, forming a new pattern—a tree whose branches stretched into the stars and whose roots delved into the earth. The voice softened. “Your lineage is one of balance, courage, and kindness. You were chosen not because of power, but because of your heart—the same light that binds this world to the next.”

Hunter nudged her hand, his tail wagging gently as if to reassure her. Cecilia rested a hand on his head, her mind spinning with the weight of the revelation. “So, this was always my destiny?” she asked, her voice trembling.

The constellations pulsed faintly, their light glowing like distant stars. “Destiny is not a path set in stone, but a calling you have answered. The riddle chose you because of who you are—not just your lineage, but your courage to protect what matters.”

Cecilia swallowed hard, her grip on the shard tightening. “What happens now?” she asked.

The voice paused, the constellations shifting one final time. “The final truth lies within the light. Step forward, and let it reveal what you are meant to protect.”

Cecilia glanced at Hunter, who barked softly, his eyes bright with determination. Together, they stepped toward the orb, its glow intensifying as they neared. The shard in Cecilia’s hand pulsed in rhythm with the light, and as she placed it on the pedestal, the room filled with a dazzling radiance.

The light enveloped them, and for a moment, the world was silent. Then, faint whispers began to emerge, growing louder until they formed a single, resonant phrase: “The balance must be preserved. The light must endure.”

As the light faded, Cecilia found herself standing back in the celestial expanse, the North Star shining brighter than ever above them. In her hand, the shard had transformed into a small, glowing amulet, its surface etched with intricate symbols.

Hunter barked, his tail wagging as he pressed against her side. Cecilia smiled faintly, her courage renewed. “We did it, boy,” she said softly. “But I think there’s still more to come.”

The North Star pulsed gently, its light steady and reassuring. With Hunter at her side, Cecilia took a deep breath and stepped forward, ready to face whatever awaited them next.

29/01/2025

Chapter 29: The Final Test.

The path of stars stretched endlessly ahead, its glowing light pulsing gently beneath Cecilia and Hunter’s steps. The shard in Cecilia’s hand had grown warmer, its hum resonating with the rhythm of her heartbeat.
Hunter walked confidently beside her, his ears swiveling and his tail steady. Cecilia took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on the glowing sphere of light at the end of the path. “This is it, boy,” she said softly. “The final test.”
The Guardian’s voice echoed faintly behind them: “Trust your bond. Trust the light within you.”

As they neared the glowing sphere, the air grew heavier, filled with an electric tension that made Cecilia’s skin prickle. The light from the sphere pulsed brighter, and the path beneath them began to shift, the stars rearranging themselves into intricate constellations.

Suddenly, the light dimmed, and the path disappeared entirely, leaving Cecilia and Hunter standing in an endless expanse of darkness. The shard in her hand flickered weakly, its hum fading. “What’s happening?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

A low, resonant voice filled the air, deeper and colder than the Guardian’s. “Do you think you are worthy?”
Cecilia froze, her grip tightening on the shard. “Who are you?” she asked, her voice steady despite the fear clawing at her chest.

The darkness began to shift, forming into a massive, shadowy figure with glowing eyes. “I am the Keeper of the Heart,” it said. “The power you seek is not freely given. It must be earned.”

Hunter growled, his body tense as he placed himself protectively in front of Cecilia. She rested a hand on his back, drawing strength from his steady presence. “What do we have to do?” she asked.

The Keeper’s eyes glimmered. “Face your greatest fear. Only then will the heart reveal itself.”

The shadows around them twisted and coalesced, forming scenes that flickered and shifted like broken memories. Cecilia’s chest tightened as she saw a younger version of herself, standing alone in an empty field. The loneliness was palpable, the silence deafening.

“This is your fear,” the Keeper said. “The fear of being alone. The fear of failing those you care for.”

Cecilia’s breath caught as the scene changed. She saw Hunter surrounded by shadows, his bright amber eyes dimmed with fear. “No,” she whispered, her heart racing. “Not him.”

The Keeper’s voice grew louder. “Can you protect what matters most? Can you trust yourself enough to stand against the darkness?”

Hunter barked sharply, breaking the spell. Cecilia blinked, her mind clearing as she turned to him. His steady gaze grounded her, his wagging tail reminding her of their bond.

“I’m not alone,” she said firmly, standing tall. “I have Hunter. And together, we can face anything.”

The shard in her hand flared brightly, its hum growing louder. The shadows recoiled, their forms dissolving into mist as the path of stars reappeared beneath their feet.

The Keeper’s voice softened. “You have passed the first part of the test. But the final challenge awaits.”

The glowing sphere of light reappeared at the end of the path, its brilliance even stronger than before. Cecilia took a deep breath, her hand steady as she placed the shard back in her pocket. “Come on, Hunter,” she said.
“Let’s finish this.”

Hunter barked, his tail wagging as he stepped forward with her. Together, they moved toward the light, their bond unshaken as they prepared to face the riddle’s final heart.

28/01/2025

Chapter 28: Beyond the Portal.

The swirling golden light of the portal enveloped Cecilia and Hunter, its warmth steadying them as they passed through. For a moment, the world seemed to dissolve into starlight, the hum of the shard growing louder and filling the air with a resonant melody.

Then, with a sudden lurch, they emerged into a space unlike anything Cecilia had ever seen.
The ground beneath their feet was smooth and glasslike, reflecting the night sky above. But the stars weren’t scattered randomly; they formed intricate constellations that seemed to move, shifting in time with the shard’s glow.

Hunter barked softly, his paws tapping the reflective surface as he sniffed the air. Cecilia turned slowly, her breath catching as she realized they were standing in the center of a vast celestial expanse, the North Star shining brightly above them.

“This can’t be real,” she whispered, her voice echoing faintly.

The shard in her hand pulsed, and a voice filled the space around them—not the whispering voices of the past, but a clear, commanding tone that resonated with authority. “Welcome, Cecilia. Welcome, Hunter. You’ve come far.”

Cecilia froze, her pulse quickening. “Who’s there?” she asked, gripping the shard tightly.

From the starlit expanse, a figure emerged—a man cloaked in shimmering light, his eyes glimmering like the stars above. He carried himself with quiet strength, and his gaze was warm but piercing.

“I am the Guardian of the Riddle,” the man said, his voice steady. “And this is the heart of its magic.”

Cecilia swallowed hard, her grip on the shard tightening. “Why did you bring us here?” she asked. “What’s so important about this riddle?”

The Guardian smiled faintly. “The riddle is more than a puzzle. It is a safeguard—a barrier against those who would misuse the power it protects.”

Cecilia frowned. “Power? What kind of power?”

The Guardian gestured toward the constellations, which shifted to form a new pattern—a brilliant, glowing symbol that pulsed in time with the shard. “The riddle guards the power to heal the balance of the world,” he said. “But in the wrong hands, it could bring unimaginable harm.”

Hunter growled softly, his body tense as he stepped protectively in front of Cecilia. She rested a hand on his back, drawing strength from his presence. “And you think I can protect it?” she asked.

The Guardian nodded. “You and Hunter were chosen because of your bond—your courage, kindness, and loyalty. The riddle recognizes the light within you, Cecilia. It is the same light that burns at its heart.”

Cecilia’s breath caught, her mind racing. “But why me?” she asked. “Why not someone else?”

The Guardian’s gaze softened. “Because you are not just anyone, Cecilia. You carry the legacy of those who first created the riddle. It is in your blood, your heritage. You were always meant to find it.”

Her chest tightened as the words sank in. “I don’t understand,” she said, her voice trembling.

“You will,” the Guardian said. “But first, there is one final test. The riddle’s heart will not open to anyone—not even you—without proof of your worth.”

Hunter barked sharply, his amber eyes fixed on the Guardian. Cecilia took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. “What do we have to do?” she asked.

The Guardian stepped aside, revealing a path of stars that stretched into the distance. At the end of the path was a glowing sphere of light, its surface swirling with golden energy. “Follow the light,” he said. “And trust in yourselves. The truth is within reach.”

Cecilia nodded, her grip on the shard steady. “We’re ready.”

With Hunter at her side, she stepped onto the path of stars, the light of the North Star shining brightly above, guiding them toward their final challenge.

27/01/2025

Back home with me 🥰🐾💕

27/01/2025

Chapter 27: The Final Threshold.

The forest thinned as Cecilia and Hunter followed the glowing path. The North Star shone brightly overhead, its light cutting through the lingering shadows and guiding their every step. The shard in Cecilia’s hand pulsed steadily, as though it, too, could feel the end of their journey approaching.

Hunter stayed close to her side, his ears perked and his eyes sharp, ready for anything. Cecilia rested a hand on his back, her heart pounding with both anticipation and unease. “Almost there, boy,” she whispered. “I can feel it.”

They emerged into a clearing unlike any they had seen before. It was vast, open, and eerily quiet. At the center stood a massive stone archway, its surface covered in glowing runes that pulsed in rhythm with the shard. The archway shimmered faintly, its center filled with swirling mist that seemed to hum with energy.

“A portal,” Cecilia murmured, her breath catching. “It’s the way out.”

Hunter barked softly, his tail wagging as he stepped closer to the arch. But Cecilia hesitated. Something about the clearing felt wrong—unfinished, as though they were being watched.

The shard in her hand glowed brightly, and the runes on the arch flared to life. A low, resonant hum filled the clearing, and the mist in the portal began to swirl faster, forming a vortex of light and shadow.

“Cecilia…” The voice was faint, barely audible, but she recognized it immediately. It was Addy.

Cecilia spun around, her heart leaping. “Addy? Where are you?”

The clearing remained empty, but the voice came again, clearer this time. “Cecilia… don’t trust the shadows.”

Before Cecilia could react, the ground trembled, and dark tendrils burst from the earth, curling and writhing as they reached for the archway. Hunter barked furiously, his growls reverberating through the clearing.
The shadows began to take shape, forming into the cloaked figure they had faced before. His voice echoed, low and mocking. “You’ve come far, but you’ll go no further.”

Cecilia’s pulse raced. “You can’t stop us!” she shouted, holding the shard high.

The figure laughed, a cold, hollow sound. “You think the riddle chose you? It’s bigger than you, child. Its power belongs to me.”

The shard in Cecilia’s hand flared, and the runes on the arch pulsed brighter, as though responding to her defiance. The cloaked figure recoiled slightly, but the tendrils surged forward, creeping toward Cecilia and Hunter.

Hunter leapt forward, snapping at the shadows, driving them back with each bark. His bravery grounded Cecilia, giving her the courage to act. She stepped closer to the archway, the shard in her hand burning brightly.

“You don’t understand,” Cecilia said, her voice calm but strong. “The riddle isn’t about power. It’s about light, courage, and kindness. It’s not something you can take.”

The figure hissed, the shadows rippling angrily. “You’re a fool.”

“No,” Cecilia said, her grip on the shard steady. “I’m the one it chose.”

The runes on the arch flared to their brightest yet, and the swirling mist began to glow with the same golden light. The tendrils faltered, retreating as though burned by the radiance.

Hunter barked sharply, wagging his tail as he stood beside Cecilia. Together, they stepped forward, the light of the North Star shining above them, guiding their way. The cloaked figure let out one final scream as the shadows dissolved into mist, leaving only silence in their wake.

Cecilia paused just before the portal, looking back toward the clearing. “We’ll find you, Addy,” she whispered. “I promise.”

With Hunter at her side, Cecilia stepped through the archway, the shard’s light merging with the golden glow of the portal. The world around them blurred into starlight and shadow, and everything fell silent.

26/01/2025

Another day of swimming 🥰
And tomorrow I pick her up - can’t wait!

26/01/2025

Chapter 26: Whispers of the Heart.

The forest grew quieter as Cecilia and Hunter emerged from the living maze. The North Star’s light shone faintly through the canopy above, but the shard in Cecilia’s hand pulsed more strongly now, guiding their steps with unwavering determination.

Hunter trotted at her side, his nose occasionally brushing her hand as if to reassure her. The silence was almost oppressive, broken only by the soft crunch of their footsteps on the forest floor.

“We’re getting closer,” Cecilia said softly, her voice carrying in the stillness. “I can feel it.”

The shard’s glow intensified as the path ahead narrowed, leading them to a clearing unlike any they had seen before. At its center was a pool of water, perfectly still and glowing faintly with an inner light. Around the pool were stones arranged in a circle, each one etched with runes that pulsed in time with the shard.

Cecilia knelt at the edge of the pool, her breath catching as she looked into its depths. The water reflected not just the stars above but also faint images that shifted and flickered like memories. She leaned closer, her fingers brushing the surface, and the images grew clearer.

“Cecilia…” a voice whispered, faint but unmistakable. It wasn’t coming from the shard—it was coming from the pool itself.

She froze, her heart racing. “Who’s there?” she asked, her voice trembling.

The water rippled, and a figure began to take shape—a woman with kind eyes and a gentle smile. Her features were strikingly familiar, and Cecilia felt an inexplicable connection to her.

“It’s you,” Cecilia whispered, her hand pressing against her chest. “But… how?”

The figure in the water smiled faintly. “You’re closer to the truth than you know,” she said, her voice soft and melodic. “The riddle chose you for a reason. It has been waiting for someone with your light, your courage, your heart.”

Hunter barked softly, his tail wagging as he stepped closer to the pool. The woman’s gaze shifted to him, her smile widening. “And you,” she said. “The bond you share is the key to unlocking what lies ahead. Trust it, as you’ve always done.”

Cecilia’s grip on the shard tightened. “What does this mean?” she asked, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her. “Why me? Why now?”

The woman’s expression grew serious. “Because the balance of the world depends on it. The riddle guards a power that must never fall into the wrong hands. You and Hunter were chosen because your hearts are pure, your bond unbreakable. But the final test will push you beyond anything you’ve faced before.”

The shard in Cecilia’s hand flared brightly, and the woman’s image began to fade. “Follow the light,” she said, her voice growing fainter. “Trust in yourself. Trust in each other.”

The pool stilled, the glowing images fading into the water’s depths. Cecilia sat back, her heart pounding. “Hunter,” she said softly, turning to him. “It’s us. It’s always been us.”

Hunter wagged his tail, nudging her hand with his nose. His steady presence grounded her, giving her the strength she needed to stand. Together, they turned back to the path ahead, the shard’s glow lighting their way as the North Star watched from above.

26/01/2025

Chapter 26: Whispers of the Heart.

The forest grew quieter as Cecilia and Hunter emerged from the living maze. The North Star’s light shone faintly through the canopy above, but the shard in Cecilia’s hand pulsed more strongly now, guiding their steps with unwavering determination.

Hunter trotted at her side, his nose occasionally brushing her hand as if to reassure her. The silence was almost oppressive, broken only by the soft crunch of their footsteps on the forest floor.

“We’re getting closer,” Cecilia said softly, her voice carrying in the stillness. “I can feel it.”

The shard’s glow intensified as the path ahead narrowed, leading them to a clearing unlike any they had seen before. At its center was a pool of water, perfectly still and glowing faintly with an inner light. Around the pool were stones arranged in a circle, each one etched with runes that pulsed in time with the shard.

Cecilia knelt at the edge of the pool, her breath catching as she looked into its depths. The water reflected not just the stars above but also faint images that shifted and flickered like memories. She leaned closer, her fingers brushing the surface, and the images grew clearer.

“Cecilia…” a voice whispered, faint but unmistakable. It wasn’t coming from the shard—it was coming from the pool itself.

She froze, her heart racing. “Who’s there?” she asked, her voice trembling.

The water rippled, and a figure began to take shape—a woman with kind eyes and a gentle smile. Her features were strikingly familiar, and Cecilia felt an inexplicable connection to her.

“It’s you,” Cecilia whispered, her hand pressing against her chest. “But… how?”

The figure in the water smiled faintly. “You’re closer to the truth than you know,” she said, her voice soft and melodic. “The riddle chose you for a reason. It has been waiting for someone with your light, your courage, your heart.”

Hunter barked softly, his tail wagging as he stepped closer to the pool. The woman’s gaze shifted to him, her smile widening. “And you,” she said. “The bond you share is the key to unlocking what lies ahead. Trust it, as you’ve always done.”

Cecilia’s grip on the shard tightened. “What does this mean?” she asked, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her. “Why me? Why now?”

The woman’s expression grew serious. “Because the balance of the world depends on it. The riddle guards a power that must never fall into the wrong hands. You and Hunter were chosen because your hearts are pure, your bond unbreakable. But the final test will push you beyond anything you’ve faced before.”

The shard in Cecilia’s hand flared brightly, and the woman’s image began to fade. “Follow the light,” she said, her voice growing fainter. “Trust in yourself. Trust in each other.”

The pool stilled, the glowing images fading into the water’s depths. Cecilia sat back, her heart pounding.

“Hunter,” she said softly, turning to him. “It’s us. It’s always been us.”

Hunter wagged his tail, nudging her hand with his nose. His steady presence grounded her, giving her the strength she needed to stand. Together, they turned back to the path ahead, the shard’s glow lighting their way as the North Star watched from above.

25/01/2025

Chapter 25: The Living Maze.

The trail of stars led Cecilia and Hunter into a darker part of the forest. The trees loomed closer together, their twisted branches forming an almost impenetrable canopy. The glow of the North Star was faint here, its light barely piercing the dense shadows.

Hunter stayed close to Cecilia, his nose to the ground as he sniffed for any sign of danger. The shard in her hand pulsed faintly, but its hum was weaker than before, as if the forest’s magic was trying to suppress it.

“This doesn’t feel right,” Cecilia murmured, her voice low.

The ground beneath their feet shifted suddenly, and the path ahead disappeared. In its place was a maze of twisting roots and brambles, their forms shifting and weaving as though alive.

“What is this?” Cecilia whispered, her heart pounding.

Hunter growled softly, his ears swiveling as the roots creaked and groaned. Cecilia reached for the shard, its glow flickering weakly. The whispers that usually guided her were silent, leaving her with an eerie sense of isolation.

“We have to keep moving,” she said, her voice steady despite the fear clawing at her chest. “Come on, Hunter.”

The roots shifted again, creating an opening just wide enough for them to pass through. Cecilia hesitated, but Hunter nudged her forward, his amber eyes steady and reassuring.

As they entered the maze, the air grew colder, and the faint sound of whispers reached Cecilia’s ears. They weren’t the familiar voices of the shard, but something darker and more fragmented, like pieces of a memory long forgotten.

The maze twisted and turned, each path more confusing than the last. The roots seemed to move on their own, closing off passages and opening new ones, forcing Cecilia and Hunter deeper into its heart.
Then, in the center of the maze, they found it.

A tree stood at the center, its twisted trunk covered in glowing runes that pulsed faintly. From one of its branches hung a shard, suspended by a thin strand of silvery light. The shard glimmered faintly, its surface etched with intricate symbols that seemed to move under the shifting light.

Cecilia took a step forward, but the roots around the tree stirred, curling and uncurling like fingers. Hunter barked sharply, his growl low and warning.

“It’s protecting the shard,” Cecilia said, her pulse quickening. “But why?”

As if in answer, the runes on the tree’s trunk flared brightly, and a deep, resonant hum filled the air. The roots rose like serpents, forming a barrier around the tree.

Hunter barked again, stepping forward to face the roots. Cecilia knelt beside him, placing a hand on his back. “We can do this,” she said softly. “Together.”

The shard in her hand flared to life, its hum matching the frequency of the runes. The roots hesitated, their movements slowing slightly. Cecilia held the shard aloft, its light growing stronger with each passing second.
“I’m not here to harm you,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “I just need to finish what I started.”

The runes on the tree shifted, forming a single word: Trust.

Cecilia took a deep breath and stepped forward, the shard’s light pushing the roots back. Hunter stayed by her side, his growls steady as he watched for any sudden movement.

When they reached the tree, the silvery strand holding the shard dissolved, and the shard fell into Cecilia’s hand. The roots stilled, retreating into the ground as the runes on the tree dimmed.

The whispers returned, clear and strong: “The heart of the riddle awaits. The truth is near.”

Cecilia turned to Hunter, her hand trembling as she held the shard tightly. “We’re so close,” she said, her voice filled with both excitement and fear.

Hunter wagged his tail, his confidence grounding her. Together, they stepped out of the maze, the light of the North Star shining faintly above, guiding them toward the riddle’s final answer.