One evening, Kael didn't return home from his play by the reefs. Panic set in as Sia and Anthony searched the ocean, calling his name. The Merclan joined the effort, their lanterns lighting the depths.
Finally, they found a trail of shimmering light—Kael's favorite trick with the ocean currents—leading toward the old temple.
Sia's heart raced. "Why would he go there?"
Anthony's jaw tightened. "We swore it was over."
As they approached the temple, the gates were ajar, the glow of the Stone spilling out. Inside, Kael stood before it, his small hand outstretched.
"Sia, Anthony," a voice boomed, one they had thought they'd never hear again. "Did you think the story was truly over?"
It was the scientist, his form now an ethereal shadow, bound to the remnants of the Stone's power.