The word pulsed like a heartbeat.
Arin saw two futures.
In one, he spoke the name.
The city regained its power. The sea obeyed once more.
But pride returned.
In the other, the name remained lost.
The city stayed safe, but humble.
Arin realized something.
The city had not forgotten.
It had been forgiven.
He reached toward the glowing word.
And instead of speaking it—
He broke it apart.