60-marks left by the witch

As he swam back home, Krahs felt the weight of the water around him, but nothing compared to the weight crushing his chest. His rage still burned, pulsing hot in his veins, but now something even worse gnawed at his instincts—fear.

The mere thought that Nexha had almost been taken from him, right under his nose, was unbearable. If he had returned earlier… if he hadn’t wasted time discarding that fish, if he had trusted his own instincts more, so much could have been avoided.

His fists clenched so tightly that his claws slightly cut into his skin. He had failed again. Always failing. Could he truly consider himself worthy of protecting this new family around him?

When he finally reached the nest, a sound sliced through his thoughts like a blade—desperate sobs.

His sharp gaze scanned the surroundings in an instant.

Lilay was there, trembling, her wide eyes filled with tears, curled up beside the still bodies of Zhaelor and Nalu, lying on the sand.

— Father!

Before he could react, Lilay threw herself against him, clutching his arm tightly, her breath trembling, broken by sobs.

— They… they won’t wake up! — her voice cracked in despair. — I tried shaking them, I tried calling them, but they just keep breathing… it’s like they’re sleeping, but… but…

Her words came in frantic bursts, as if speaking them was painful. Her small body trembled against Krahs’, and he could feel her fear, her helplessness.

Krahs turned his gaze to the motionless bodies.

His heart pounded harder when he saw that Nexha was the same as them.

Zhaelor, Nalu… and Nexha. All asleep, their expressions so serene it was unsettling. Their breathing was steady, but… something was wrong.

It was a deep sleep. Too deep.

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A dark sensation spread through his chest, and then he understood.

— Magic… — he murmured, his eyes narrowing. Even defeated, the witch had managed to leave this curse behind.

Lilay clutched her hands against her chest, her breath short, anguished.

— What are we going to do?! — her voice rose in panic. — They’re not going to wake up, are they? They’re never going to wake up again, Father?!

The despair in her voice pierced Krahs deeper than any blade.

He knelt, gripping his daughter’s shoulders firmly, bringing her gaze to his.

— Lilay.

His tone was solid—an anchor amidst her storm of emotions.

But there was something else behind that firm voice… a burning fury.

— The witch did this. And now, we’re going to undo it.

— But… how?

Lilay’s words were fragile, as if she were clinging to the last thread of hope.

Krahs gently slid Nexha from his arms, laying him beside the other two who remained in their unnatural sleep.

The little one was completely unaware of the chaos around him, breathing softly—too fragile, too vulnerable. Krahs felt his chest tighten again.

He took a deep breath.

— Little one, we must ask for help.

— From whom?

Her large, tear-filled eyes stared at him, searching for an answer.

— From a star.

Lilay blinked, confused.

Krahs didn’t explain. He simply turned and swam toward the old nest, rummaging through a few objects until he found what he was looking for—a broken fragment of his old spear.

He returned to Lilay and held it out to her.

— Come. I will teach you how to ask for her help.

Lilay hesitated before stepping closer, swallowing her fear and uncertainty.

— But… what if she doesn’t hear us?

Krahs studied her for a moment before answering, his voice lower now, yet filled with something almost sacred:

— She will hear. But if nothing happens… it means even she cannot help us.

Silence fell between them, heavy, broken only by the distant sound of waves crashing on the surface.

Lilay hesitated, but then Krahs took her hand and guided it, placing it gently over the broken piece of the spear.

— Now, repeat after me.

His voice sounded different.

It was not just a request.

It was a prayer.

Lilay closed her eyes and focused, her voice coming out hesitant:

— Great Descendant of the Stars…

Krahs tightened his grip on the spear fragment beside her, his voice deep, reverent.

— We need your help.

The next moment was enveloped in absolute silence.

Then, the spear glowed.

It was a soft, ethereal light, as if the ocean itself whispered in response to their call. The glow spread gently through the surrounding water, wrapping them both in its comforting radiance.

And then…

A voice.

Melodious, distant, as beautiful as a siren’s song—yet carrying something beyond comprehension.

It was as if the universe itself whispered into their ears.

— Wait… they will awaken.

Lilay held her breath, her eyes wide as she felt the words reverberate within her, touching something deep inside her soul.

Krahs remained still for a moment, his eyes reflecting the light of the spear.

— Thank you…