Leaving the researchers behind was easier than Luke had expected—not because he did not care, but because, for once, he knew they were exactly where they needed to be. The tent had come alive with purpose: voices overlapping in animated discussion, parchments filling with hurried notes, ideas finally taking shape after days of uncertainty. There was no need for him to linger or interfere. Whatever momentum had been missing before had returned at last, carrying everyone forward without his guidance.
So, quietly, Luke and Ilyrana slipped away.
They retraced their steps through the winding cave system, following the familiar path back toward the surface. The dim glow of scattered lanterns gradually gave way to brighter shafts of sunlight spilling through cracks in the stone, illuminating the walls in warm gold. With every step, the echoes of hurried discussion faded further behind them, replaced by the gentle rhythm of waves brushing against rock.
