Book Two – Chapter 24
The Golden Desert
Peace returned to the Kingdom of Nerith.
The dark waters surrounding the palace slowly cleared, revealing vibrant coral gardens once more. Sea dragons soared joyfully through the currents, and the Leviathan settled beside the Heart Pearl like a faithful guardian returning to its post after a long absence.
For three days, the underwater kingdom celebrated.
Yet none of us truly rested.
We all felt it.
The darkness had simply moved on.
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On the morning of our departure, the Tide Empress met us at the palace gates.
The Leviathan floated quietly behind her, its golden eyes once again filled with wisdom instead of pain.
"You gave our kingdom hope," the Empress said.
"But hope must continue its journey."
She removed a small sapphire from her
