Ares didn't waste time.
He assigned Asher to investigate the snake incident—his tone leaving no room for questions, while he and Lara boarded the transport to Isla.
Grandpa Randell insisted on coming along, as he often did since he arrived in Laguna, his curiosity about the excavation rivaling that of any young researcher.
This time, they headed toward the northeastern sector.
The moment they arrived, the air felt different—charged, almost expectant.
The once-ruined East Gate now partially restored, its ancient stonework cleaned yet still bearing the scars of time. Workers moved about in the distance, but near the gate, three figures stood out, snapping photos like tourists in a place that held far more secrets than it revealed.
Lara slowed.
She recognized them even from afar.
Then one of them turned.
"Sis!"
