Warm sunlight spilled through the hidden doorway, stretching across the polished floor of the Hall of Memories.
It was the first real sunlight they had seen since entering the maze of passages beneath the castle.
For a moment, none of them moved.
The warmth felt strange after spending so long surrounded by ancient stone and forgotten secrets.
Harvey raised a hand toward the light.
"It isn't another illusion."
Felix smiled.
"No."
"It's real."
Ella closed her eyes for a brief moment as the sunlight touched her face.
"It feels wonderful."
Salvador looked down at the two journals pressed against his chest.
One belonged to his father.
The other belonged to his mother.
For nearly thirty years they had remained separated.
Now both rested safely in his hands.
He smiled quietly.
"I'm taking you home."
Ella heard the whisper.
She gently slipped her hand into his.
"They're already home."
Salvador looked at her before nodding.
