FLASHBACK: TWO YEARS AGO, EVERGREEN ISLE
Etman led the way, steadying his father with every step, while Silfi and Lyra trailed behind in silence, each lost in their own troubled thoughts.
They moved through fields of tall grass, their dark green clothing and midnight-black skin blending seamlessly with the ink of the night.
Etman's boats were moored at the furthest edge of the isle, dangerously close to the forest of light—a place from which the dreaded pirates could emerge at any given moment.
"Son, you must go without me," Perlon's voice wavered, thick with the weight of his years. "I'm old, and these knees of mine… they won't carry me much further."
"No, Father," Etman replied. "We'll make it together. All of us."
"Grandpa, please, don't ever say that again," Lyra's voice cracked, barely hiding the fear that gripped her heart.
