After crossing the gear bridge, Darin and Mira arrived at something amazing—a floating city in the clouds.
"Whoa," Darin whispered.
It was called the Sky Market. Colorful balloons held up wooden platforms, and airships floated through the sky like boats. People sold strange items at stands: glowing fruit, floating books, and even tiny dragons in cages.
"Stay close," Mira said. "This place looks fun, but danger hides here too."
Darin looked around, wide-eyed. A man with a clock for a face winked at him. A cat wearing a vest bowed politely as it passed.
"This place is weird," Darin said.
"Welcome to the Market," a voice said behind him.
Darin jumped. A tall girl with silver goggles and a long coat stood there. Her hair was tied up in a messy bun, and she held a small glowing box.
"I'm Lissa," she said. "I help people… for a price."
"We're not here to buy," Mira said firmly.
Lissa smiled. "But I think you're looking for this." She opened the box. Inside was the third Time Shard.
Darin stepped forward. "Where did you get that?"
"It was payment," Lissa said. "But I'll give it to you if you do something for me."
Mira crossed her arms. "What do you want?"
"There's a thief in the market," Lissa said. "He stole something important from me. Get it back, and the shard is yours."
Darin looked at Mira. She nodded.
"Alright," he said. "We'll help."
They followed Lissa's directions to the back of the market, where the balloons didn't shine as brightly. They found the thief easily—a short man with fast hands and a sly smile.
"Give back what you stole," Darin said bravely.
The man laughed—and ran.
Darin chased him through the floating stands, jumping over ropes and barrels. Mira took a shortcut, cutting him off from the front. They cornered him near the edge of the platform.
"I didn't mean to steal it!" the thief cried. "I just wanted to fix time too!"
"Time belongs to everyone," Darin said. "But stealing doesn't help."
The thief handed over a small golden compass. They brought it back to Lissa, who smiled and gave them the Time Shard.
"You're stronger than you look," she said to Darin.
"Thanks," he replied.
As they left the Sky Market, Darin looked at the shard glowing in his hand.
"Three shards," he said. "We're really doing it."
Mira smiled. "But many trials still wait."
Darin nodded. "Let's keep going."