Sia stood on the edge of the river, the moonlight glistening off the water's surface, casting an eerie glow on the world around her. The memories of the temple, the river, the figure from the shadows—everything was swirling in her mind. She felt a tug in her chest, an urge to uncover more of the secrets hidden beneath the still surface of the water.
"Sia?" Anthony's voice broke through her thoughts. "Are you alright?"
She turned to face him, the weight of his gaze heavy on her soul. "No, Anthony. I don't think I am."
The river, like a living entity, seemed to call to her. The soft ripples in its depths beckoned her to dive deeper, to uncover truths long buried. She knew the answers lay in the water, in the sacred place where the infinity stone was once kept.
But the truth was darker than she had ever imagined.
"The river connects two worlds, Anthony," Sia whispered, her voice trembling. "It's more than just a passage between places—it's a passage between lives, between fates. This water, this temple… they are bound to the reincarnation of our souls."
Anthony stepped closer, his brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Sia looked into the river, her reflection staring back at her. "The river isn't just a link between Earth and the mermaid world—it's a cycle. A never-ending loop of death and rebirth. And that infinity stone…" She trailed off, the realization hitting her like a tidal wave. "That stone is the key to it all."