The visions faded, leaving them in darkness. The voices returned, solemn and foreboding.
"To mend the fractures, the Stone must be returned to its origin—the sacred temple of the Merclan. Only there can it be reawakened. But beware: the journey will test your will, your bond, and your very existence. And even if you succeed, the balance will demand a sacrifice."
Anthony's grip on Sia's hand tightened. "What kind of sacrifice?"
"One of you must sever your connection to the Stone forever. The bond will be passed to your child—a legacy that will shape their destiny. But know this: the Stone's guardianship is a heavy burden. It will bring both enlightenment and anguish."
Sia's breath hitched. "Our child? But we don't even know…"
The voices softened, almost compassionate. "The threads of fate are already woven, Sia. Your son's role in this story is inevitable. His destiny is tied to yours, just as yours is tied to the Stone."
The weight of the revelation pressed down on them. Silence wrapped around them like a suffocating fog, each struggling with the burden of the decision laid before them.
Anthony stared into the void, his voice breaking through the quiet. "We've faced impossible odds before, Sia. We can do this. Together."
But Sia pulled away, her voice shaking. "Can we, Anthony? We're being asked to bring a child into this world knowing they'll carry this curse. Is that fair? Is it right?"
Anthony stepped closer, his tone firm yet gentle. "It's not about fairness, Sia. It's about responsibility. If we don't do this, the fractures will consume everything—the Merclan, the surface, even the future. We don't have a choice."
Sia's gaze dropped to the Stone in her hands, its faint glow reflecting in her eyes. "I just… I don't want our child to suffer because of our decisions."
Anthony cupped her face, his touch grounding her. "We'll protect him, Sia. No matter what it takes."
Sia's eyes glistened with unshed tears, but she nodded, a flicker of resolve returning. "Then
we'll do it. Together."