Morning sunlight spread across Talia's village.
Although the bridge had collapsed, the villagers had already begun gathering fresh timber and stone.
No one complained.
No one blamed the strangers.
They simply started again.
Talia smiled as she joined them.
"Waiting never built anything."
Captain Elian admired the quiet determination around him.
Rowan nodded.
"That's why the Book chose her."
As they prepared to leave, Luma's golden book shimmered once more.
A second empty circle began to glow.
Instead of a bridge, a new symbol appeared.
A silver harp.
---
The Black Ark followed the light across the Infinite Frontier until it reached a world wrapped in permanent twilight.
Towering mountains surrounded silent valleys.
Rivers flowed gently, but not a single bird sang.
The win
